After winning the Club World Cup last summer, many Chelsea fans would no doubt have expected the senior squad to reach the next level in the Premier League.
However, after one managerial change, a string of six defeats in a row, it’s now almost certain that the Blues will miss out on qualification for the Champions League.
As a result, BlueCo will now have a huge summer on their hands to find the right man to try and put the club back on the track they found themselves on under Enzo Maresca.
Liam Rosenior demonstrated he wasn’t up to the task of leading the club forward, which could see the hierarchy turn to a more proven winner in a bid for success.
Numerous managers have already been touted with the vacant managerial position, but it remains to be seen who the number one target will be ahead of the summer.
Chelsea Permanent Managers under Boehly
Manager
Apps
PPM
Liam Rosenior
23
1.52
Enzo Maresca
92
1.97
Mauricio Pochettino
51
1.78
Graham Potter
31
1.42
Chelsea hold internal talks over approaching new manager
Over the last couple of days, former Barcelona boss Xavi has been the latest manager touted to take the reins at Chelsea ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The 46-year-old has been out of work after leaving the Spanish giants in May 2024, but has previously been linked with Premier League rivals Manchester United.
Whilst he’s been approached over the possibility of being hired at Stamford Bridge, the hierarchy are continuing to do their due diligence on the likes of Xabi Alonso.
According to The Independent, the Blues have held internal talks over hiring the 44-year-old, who’s a free agent after leaving Real Madrid earlier this campaign.
The report states that the Spaniard has admirers behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge, but it’s unclear if he will be offered the job in the near future.
Like his compatriot, he would be open to managing in the Premier League, but too has interest from fellow English sides, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Why Alonso would be better than Xavi for Chelsea
Both of the aforementioned managers are still in the early stages of their managerial careers, which could lead to a concern among Chelsea fans that they could emulate Rosenior in failing to deliver.
However, during his near-three-year spell at Barcelona, the Spaniard did win the LaLiga title back in 2023/24 – doing so whilst achieving a 64% win rate.
His period of two years without a job could well be a concern to those around West London, with caution needing to be thrown to the wind when coming to a potential appointment.
Alonso also being in the frame could lead to a battle between the Spaniard’s for the job, but the hierarchy desperately need to pursue a move for the former.
Described as “one of the best managers in the world” by Carlo Ancelotti, during his two main managerial jobs of his career, the former midfielder has massively impressed, as seen by the tremendous stats he’s produced at Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid.
The 44-year-old’s best spell undoubtedly came in Germany, with Alonso doing the unthinkable during his second season in charge of the Bundesliga outfit.
Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen
Statistics
Tally
Games
140
Wins
89
Draws
32
Defeats
19
Goals scored
315
Goals conceded
155
Points per game
2.14
He managed to win the club their first-ever top-division title during such a campaign, subsequently doing so whilst going undefeated – a remarkable achievement.
Alonso also added a DFB Pokal to Leverkusen’s trophy cabinet during the same season, whilst falling at the last hurdle against Atalanta in the Europa League final.
Even during his short time at Real Madrid, he managed to impress, subsequently winning 71% of his games before being controversially sacked in January.
All the aforementioned numbers are higher than those produced by Xavi during his own career, whilst also boasting more trophies since moving into management.
As a result of his success in the dugout, Alonso has been subject to huge praise, with analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson even dubbing him a “world-class” coach.
It’s not very often that managers who are as successful as Alonso are available without compensation, with Chelsea desperately needing to take advantage of such an opportunity.
Xavi would certainly still be an impressive appointment given the recent struggles at Stamford Bridge, but ultimately, he’s not at the level of his compatriot.
A deal for the former Real Madrid boss would allow for fresh ideas and a successful boss to finally put the Blues on the right track and in with an opportunity of securing Premier League glory.
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