Join Chelsea or wait for 'dream' Liverpool job? Alonso's big dilemma
TL;DR
Xabi Alonso faces a significant choice between accepting the Chelsea managerial position or waiting for a potential future role at Liverpool, his dream job. Currently, there is no vacancy at Liverpool, but Chelsea remains an appealing option for top managers.
Key points
- Xabi Alonso is considering the Chelsea managerial position.
- Liverpool is Alonso's dream job but currently has no vacancy.
- Managing Chelsea is still attractive to top managers.
- Alonso would accept the Chelsea job under the right circumstances.
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Xabi Alonso has a big decision to make if he is offered the Chelsea job.
Managing Chelsea is still an attractive option for leading managers, but they are also aware that other jobs will be available this summer.
Alonso's dream job would be managing Liverpool, but as things stand there is no vacancy at Anfield.
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He wants to manage in the Premier League and - despite what you have heard or read - he would take the Chelsea job in the right circumstances.
Liverpool fans are becoming increasingly frustrated with Arne Slot after a difficult and underwhelming season.
Slot still retains the backing of Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group against the backdrop of the possibility of Alonso being ready for a return to management.
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The Anfield crowd were not happy with Arne Slot's decision to replace Rio Ngumoha for Alexander Isak against Chelsea on Saturday.
Chelsea are still working through a list of about five or six names and contact has been made with representatives of the managers on their shortlist.
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Under their US owners, Chelsea have not got it right when it comes to appointing managers. They want to take their time before making an appointment and the new man must be someone experienced and someone with a proven record of success at the highest level of the game.
Alonso is the outstanding candidate at the moment based on that criteria, but Chelsea are also considering candidates whose names are not in the public domain.
The other candidates Sky Sports News know Chelsea are interested in are Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Fulham head coach Marco Silva.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner, Como's Cesc Fabregas and ex-Flamengo boss Felipe Luis are other names being considered.
Carra: More difficult for Alonso to manage Liverpool if he joins Chelsea
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Jamie Carragher reacts to Xabi Alonso to Chelsea links, saying that if Liverpool were interested in a new manager he would choose to join them.
Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football:
"I always felt Xabi would manage Liverpool at some stage. When you manage one of Liverpool's rivals, which Chelsea are, it makes it a little bit more difficult.
"I don't see how you go from Chelsea to Liverpool, maybe a little bit down the road. But he has to do what's best for him right now.
"There will be Liverpool supporters looking at the situation and saying he's the one they want. It's not a 50-50 split on Arne Slot any more.
"People outside the club may look at that and not understand when he won the league last season and looks like he's going to get Champions League this season. But the drop-off has been so stark, and hasn't improved all season.
"My worry with Liverpool and Arne Slot is whether he's going to be a bit like Erik ten Hag, have a great first season, a really poor second and then keep their job based on that first season.
"Then you get to October or November and it's continued poorly, and you have to change the manager. That's a fear with Liverpool supporters, but it looks from what we're hearing that Arne Slot will be given another opportunity next season.
"But there will be a feeling from a lot of Liverpool fans that Alonso is there, and if they wanted him he would come.
"But it seems the club have made the decision on Slot, and it says a lot that Alonso is having talks with Chelsea because I think if he had an inkling that there might be a managerial change at Liverpool, I think he'd go there."
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Q&A
What is Xabi Alonso's dilemma regarding Chelsea and Liverpool?
Xabi Alonso is considering whether to accept the Chelsea managerial role or wait for a potential future vacancy at Liverpool, which he views as his dream job.
Why is managing Chelsea still an attractive option for managers?
Despite recent challenges, managing Chelsea is appealing due to the club's resources and potential for success in the Premier League.
Is there currently a vacancy for the Liverpool managerial position?
As of now, there is no vacancy for the managerial position at Liverpool, which complicates Alonso's decision.
What are the implications of Alonso taking the Chelsea job?
If Alonso takes the Chelsea job, it may affect his chances of managing Liverpool in the future, depending on how long the vacancy remains unfilled.
