Xabi Alonso set to become Chelsea Manager

Former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso is set to be appointed as Chelsea’s new manager, just four months after his departure from the Spanish club, according to reports on Saturday.

The Spaniard has reportedly reached an agreement in principle with the Premier League side and could be confirmed ahead of Chelsea’s match against Tottenham on Tuesday, Britain’s Press Association reported.

Chelsea had not planned to name a permanent successor to Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed last month, before the end of the season. However, securing Alonso would be a major coup for the Blues, who have struggled throughout the campaign and were defeated 1-0 by Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final.

Alonso, 44, previously led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2023/24, achieving the feat with an unbeaten record. His stint at Real Madrid was brief, lasting just seven months before he was replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa.

If confirmed, Alonso will become Chelsea’s fifth permanent manager since BlueCo took over the club in 2022, following Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca, and Liam Rosenior.

Chelsea currently sit ninth in the Premier League table, with only two matches remaining, making European qualification next season unlikely.