Xabi Alonso was forced to address an offer from Chelsea back in 2014 while he was at Real Madrid. Now the ex-Liverpool midfielder s in the running to replace Liam Rosenior
Xabi Alonso has been linked with the Chelsea job(Image: Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso was compelled to respond to reports linking him with a potential approach from Chelsea as a player, amid growing speculation that the former Liverpool midfielder is being considered for a managerial role at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea confirmed the dismissal of head coach Liam Rosenior following the 3-0 defeat to Brighton. Rosenior had labelled the performance “unacceptable” and suggested major changes would be made ahead of the FA Cup semi-final, but it is the manager rather than the squad who has paid the price.
Reports indicate the decision will cost the club around £24 million ($32m). Calum McFarlane has took charge on an interim basis , securing his first win, guiding Chelsea to an FA Cup final. The club is said to be undergoing what has been described as a “process of self-reflection” before appointing a permanent successor. It comes as a Bayern Munich chief recalls a Chelsea offer after sending a warning to Liverpool over Michael Olise.
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Back in 2014, the then Real Madrid midfielder denied reports that he was approached by Chelsea over a possible move before committing his future to Los Blancos.
Alonso signed a new two-year contract at the Bernabeu after his previous deal expired, ending speculation over his future. He had been linked not only with a reunion with former Real manager José Mourinho at Chelsea, but also with a return to Anfield.
“There were no offers, I decided to stay and that’s it,” said Alonso. “I have a good relationship with Mourinho but he never said anything about going to Chelsea.”
Alonso missed a number of games at the start of the 2013/14 season with groin and foot injuries which casted a doubt over his future in La Liga. But Alonso stated he was supported by the club and its manager at the time Carlo Ancelotti.
“I want to keep playing at the level of Real Madrid,” he added. “I am happy here and [Real coach Carlo] Ancelotti is one of those who has pushed most for me to stay. His public support for me was also important in my decision to stay.”
Xabi Alonso disputed rumors that he had been made an offer by Chelsea in 2014(Image: FADEL SENNA, AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea is continuing its search for a new manager and is expected to assess several candidates, including Alonso and Marco Silva, after already making contact with Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth.
Silva, currently in charge of Fulham, is also out of contract this summer and is expected to be approached as part of Chelsea’s review process. Alonso, meanwhile, was relieved of his duties at Real Madrid in January after a short spell in charge and is represented by the same agency as Iraola.
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His presence on Chelsea’s shortlist could also have wider implications, with Alonso previously linked with a possible future role at Liverpool should the club consider replacing Arne Slot after a dismal campaign.
Those three are not the only names under consideration at Chelsea, with several other, currently unnamed candidates also understood to be on the club’s shortlist.