Chelsea have stepped up their search for a new permanent manager, with Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola emerging as the leading candidates to replace Liam Rosenior.
Football Place understands Chelsea have already held conversations with both managers as the club accelerates plans for a summer reset following another disappointing Premier League campaign.
While the process remains open and no final decision has been reached, there is growing confidence internally that a new appointment will be completed before the middle of June.
Xabi Alonso and Iraola leading Chelsea shortlist
Chelsea’s recruitment process is currently being led by the club’s co-sporting directors, with between five and six serious candidates still under consideration.
Alonso and Iraola are understood to be at the front of the race.
Alonso is currently without a club after leaving Real Madrid CF in January following a brief and difficult spell in charge. Before that, however, the former midfielder enhanced his managerial reputation significantly by guiding Bayer 04 Leverkusen to a historic domestic double.
The Spaniard is believed to be open to the idea of managing Chelsea and had already viewed this summer as the right opportunity to begin a new project.
Having followed Chelsea’s squad evolution closely under the BlueCo ownership model, Alonso’s profile would make considerable sense. His reputation, tactical authority and elite playing career could immediately command respect within one of the Premier League’s youngest dressing rooms.
The World Cup winner enjoyed hugely successful playing spells with Liverpool F.C., Real Madrid, FC Bayern Munichand Spain.
Iraola’s Premier League rise attracting major attention
Iraola, meanwhile, has strengthened his reputation enormously during his time at AFC Bournemouth.
The 43-year-old confirmed in April that he would leave Bournemouth when his contract expires this summer after transforming the club’s style and competitiveness. Bournemouth currently sit above Chelsea in the Premier League table and remain in contention for Champions League qualification.
His aggressive pressing system and attack-minded football have reportedly impressed Chelsea decision-makers.
| Managerial candidate | Current status |
|---|---|
| Xabi Alonso | Available |
| Andoni Iraola | Leaving Bournemouth |
| Marco Silva | Fulham manager |
| Oliver Glasner | Leaving Crystal Palace |
source: club and media reports – 13 May 2026
Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner also remain under consideration, while former Chelsea defender Filipe Luís is admired by figures within the club hierarchy following his work in Brazil.
Chelsea preparing for wider summer rebuild
The managerial appointment is expected to form part of a broader structural reset at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea acknowledged after Rosenior’s dismissal that a period of “self-reflection” was needed following inconsistent recruitment decisions and underwhelming results during the BlueCo era.
There is also expected to be significant movement within the playing squad this summer.
Several senior figures face uncertain futures, including Enzo Fernández, while Chelsea are increasingly expected to adjust their transfer strategy away from exclusively targeting young high-upside players.
For now, Calum McFarlane remains in interim charge and still has the opportunity to end the season with silverware when Chelsea face Manchester City F.C. in Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
Key Points
- Chelsea have spoken with Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola
- A permanent appointment is expected before mid-June
- Between five and six candidates remain under consideration
- Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner are also admired
- Chelsea are planning wider structural and squad changes this summer
What’s next?
Chelsea are expected to continue formal discussions with candidates over the coming weeks before narrowing the shortlist further after the season concludes.
The FA Cup final may influence short-term momentum around the club, but current indications suggest the hierarchy remain focused on securing a long-term managerial solution quickly ahead of pre-season planning and transfer activity.
Much will also depend on which candidate best aligns with Chelsea’s desire for tactical identity, player development and immediate competitiveness.
Would Xabi Alonso or Andoni Iraola be the stronger appointment to rebuild Chelsea’s long-term project?
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