Chelsea's date to appoint new head coach as Xabi Alonso deadline emerges
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesXabi AlonsoChelsea are hopeful of having its new permanent manager in place by the middle of June, with Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva among the candidates for the Stamford Bridge role09:44, 12 May 2026Updated 09:45, 12 May 2026Xabi Alonso has apparently been contacted by Chelsea(Image: Aitor Alcalde, Getty Images)Chelsea is hopeful of having its next manager in place by mid-June, reports claim.It is understood that Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva are all in the running for the position. Cesc Fabregas, Oliver Glasner and Xavi are amongst a number of other names being linked with the vacancy at Stamford Bridge, and Football London reports the Blues want a new head coach within the next month.Several of those managers are currently out of work or soon to be, with Alonso and Xavi set to be joined by Glasner and Iraola as free agents this summer.
The latter is departing Bournemouth but has recently been linked with Crystal Palace — the Premier League club that Glasner is also leaving.READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Xabi Alonso to Chelsea, Mbappe 'plan', Diomande latestREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher makes Xabi Alonso to Liverpool prediction amid Chelsea talks - 'I'm sure he would'Chelsea has reportedly already contacted Alonso, putting Liverpool on red alert. The ex-Liverpool midfielder was believed to be the Reds' top target if Arne Slot was fired, but it now seems Fenway Sports Group is fully behind the under-fire Dutchman.The Blues parted ways with Liam Rosenior last month, subsequently installing Calum McFarlane for a second interim stint.
Chelsea is now in search of their fifth permanent manager in four years.McFarlane boasts a reasonably solid record across his two temporary spells at the helm, having secured draws against Manchester City and Liverpool away from home. He has also guided the Blues to this Saturday's FA Cup final.Three of Chelsea's four victories across their last 13 matches have come in that competition, with McFarlane overseeing their semi-final triumph over Leeds United.Xabi Alonso continues to be linked with a return to Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP via Getty Images))Having gone without a league win since early March, defeating Man City in the final at Wembley may represent their only realistic route into European football, with results elsewhere having dropped them down to ninth.Victory over Pep Guardiola's side later this month would secure a Europa League berth, marking three successive seasons competing in different European competitions.Despite the possibility of six teams qualifying for next season's Champions League, Chelsea are virtually out of contention following Bournemouth's victory over Fulham.READ MORE: Jamie Carragher tears into Arsenal and claims 'that's why they're disliked'READ MORE: Liverpool blindsided as Xabi Alonso's stance on Chelsea job emergesThe Cherries are currently the frontrunners for that final spot, should it become available via Aston Villa winning the Europa League and finishing fifth, though Brighton and Brentford, both of whom sit above Chelsea, remain in with a shout.The likes of Everton, Newcastle United and Sunderland are also hot on their heels for a top-half finish, with Tottenham and the latter being Chelsea's final two opponents of the season.Spurs have taken a significant stride towards survival and could confirm their Premier League status at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday, with that fixture rescheduled due to Chelsea's participation in the FA Cup final.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Xabi Alonso