Chelsea are optimistic about landing Xabi Alonso this summer but they’re also holding talks with Andoni Iraola. The managerial saga is officially underway.
The Guardian reports that positive early discussions have taken place between the Blues and Alonso’s camp. Chelsea feel the Spaniard’s style of play suits their squad. The unknown now? Whether Alonso actually wants to move to England or take a break from management altogether.
He was sacked by Real Madrid in January. Eight months in charge. A messy exit. Some time off might appeal.
But Chelsea are hopeful.
Why Iraola is still in the conversation
Here’s where it gets interesting.
The Guardian states that Chelsea have MET with Iraola. Not just sounded him out. Sat down. Talked.
And there’s a specific reason.
The recruitment department has acknowledged that the team needs to become more physical. That’s a problem. And that’s where Iraola comes in. His Bournemouth side are aggressive, athletic and difficult to play against. There’s a sense he is capable of scaling up to a bigger job.
So while Alonso might be the name, Iraola is the alternative with a clear selling point.
Alonso the ‘main target’
Elsewhere in the news cycle, journalists are increasingly pointing to Alonso as Chelsea’s priority. One has even called him the “main target.”
It’s not hard to see why.
Alonso would have the authority to command a dressing room. That’s a key ingredient at Chelsea, where managers have been chewed up and spat out with alarming regularity. He’s won everything as a player. He’s managed at the highest level. He won’t be intimidated by big egos.
That makes him the standout candidate.
The long game
Nobody is saying Chelsea are going all out for Alonso and the rest are just back up choices. The Guardian’s reporting is careful, optimistic on Alonso, but also detailing exactly why Chelsea like Iraola.
This is a saga. It’ll run for weeks.
Chelsea need to get this appointment right. The club is in a difficult place. The next manager will have to rebuild confidence, instil a style and handle the pressure of a fanbase that has run out of patience.
Alonso fits the profile. Iraola fits a different one.
The coming weeks will tell us which direction Chelsea go. But for now? Two horses in the race. And neither is being put out to pasture just yet.
