Chelsea timeline for appointing Xabi Alonso as Liverpool keeps faith with Arne Slot
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesChelsea FCXabi Alonso is Chelsea's No 1 target as they look to appoint a new manager as soon as possible, with the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder reportedly in discussions over the Stamford Bridge roleXabi Alonso is heading for the Chelsea job(Image: Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)Chelsea is hoping to confirm Xabi Alonso as their new manager as early as NEXT WEEK, having intensified their pursuit of the former Liverpool stalwart. Alonso, 44, has been without a club since January, following his dismissal by Real Madrid after a turbulent seven-month stint at the Bernabeu.The Spaniard previously held the reins at Bayer Leverkusen, where he masterminded a remarkable unbeaten campaign, ending Bayern Munich's 11-year grip on the Bundesliga title while also claiming the German Cup.Having assessed the credentials of Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva, Chelsea is now convinced that Alonso is the ideal man to succeed caretaker boss Calum McFarlane, who will be at the helm for Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City - with Liverpool opting against pursuing him.READ MORE: Jamie Carragher points finger at Liverpool player for Aston Villa goal - 'Doesn't look right'READ MORE: Alexander Isak absence explained as Arne Slot handed new Liverpool blows vs Aston VillaAccording to The Telegraph, Chelsea is keen to wrap up Alonso's appointment within days of the final, and there is growing confidence that the former Madrid and Leverkusen boss may be open to taking the role.Alonso is regarded as the frontrunner to become Liam Rosenior's permanent replacement, with the Blues seeking a new manager for the fifth time in four years.The 44 year old has also been linked with the Liverpool vacancy, which could arise should Arne Slot face the sack.
However, Anfield chiefs are unlikely to sanction a managerial change if the club secures Champions League qualification.The prospect of Alonso occupying the Stamford Bridge dugout may prove difficult for certain Liverpool supporters to stomach, though club icon Jamie Carragher has expressed his desire to see the Spaniard flourish."If he does get the job, I'll probably want Chelsea to win a little bit more than I normally do with him being a former team-mate," Carragher revealed to Sky Sports.Arne Slot finds himself under pressure at Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)"We'll see if Xabi gets the job, and if he does really well next season. That may be a masterstroke next season by not listening to the pressure of the supporters and sticking with the manager (Slot) who's already won the Premier League."Regarding McFarlane's thoughts on Alonso, he commented: "There's a lot of names linked with the job."It's not really my place to say who should get it, or who's a good manager, who's not a good manager.
My job is to prepare the team for Saturday and that's all I'll be focusing on."Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Chelsea FCXabi AlonsoLiverpool FC