When Chelsea could announce Xabi Alonso as Fabrizio Romano names 3 other managers they spoke to

Chelsea have reportedly had a direct meeting with Xabi Alonso as Fabrizio Romano reports that the Blues want to announce him before the start of the World Cup.

The Spanish tactician has been out of work since leaving his position at Real Madrid earlier this season, and after doing such impressive work during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, it seemed only a matter of time before he landed himself another big job.

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plan to announce their next manager before the World Cup, talks are accelerating.

Chelsea also spoke to Iraola, Glasner and Marco Silva as part of their list. pic.twitter.com/fnirun21KS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 16, 2026

? Chelsea have had a direct meeting with Xabi Alonso and final decision is expected very soon.#CFC plan to announce their next manager before the World Cup, talks are accelerating.

Chelsea also spoke to Iraola, Glasner and Marco Silva as part of their list. pic.twitter.com/fnirun21KS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 16, 2026

“Chelsea have had a direct meeting with Xabi Alonso and final decision is expected very soon. #CFC plan to announce their next manager before the World Cup, talks are accelerating. Chelsea also spoke to Iraola, Glasner and Marco Silva as part of their list,” Romano posted on X.

Xabi Alonso is taking a big risk with the Chelsea job

Alonso looks like he has a great coaching career ahead of him, so it’s slightly surprising that he seems prepared to take a risk on Chelsea in their current state.

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This current Blues project has proven tough for a few different managers now, with the club’s board focusing a lot on recruiting young players for the future.

However, despite there being some apparent focus on a long-term project, there also hasn’t been much time given to managers to develop a team, while the movement of so many players in and out in each transfer window also indicates a lack of a clear plan.

Perhaps Alonso has been given some assurances over the amount of control he’ll have, or it could be that Chelsea would be prepared to change direction to a certain extent.

Overall, though, it’s hard to imagine this being the best choice for Alonso, who really needed a good move after his difficult short-lived spell in charge of Real Madrid.