Xabi Alonso shoots to the top of the list of favorites to be Chelsea’s manager – could he surpass Liverpool in the race for the former Real Madrid coach?
The race for the managerial position at Chelsea has just gained a heavyweight contender: Xabi Alonso, who has become the clear favorite to take charge of the Blues, according to the latest odds from William Hill. After being dismissed by Real Madrid in January, a decision that now appears hasty given the difficulties faced by his successor Alvaro Arbeloa, Alonso remains at the center of attention in European football.
His promising career at Bayer Leverkusen, where he secured the club’s first Bundesliga title in history, combined with a modern style based on high intensity and constant pressure, solidifies Alonso as one of the most sought-after coaches in the market. Despite interest from several clubs, it is the opportunity at Chelsea that has propelled the Spaniard to the top of the preferences, relegating candidate Andoni Iraola to the background.
Liverpool also keeping an eye on Alonso in case Slot departs.
The situation becomes even more intriguing because Alonso is also the leading candidate to take over at Liverpool, should the club’s management decide to dismiss Arne Slot after a disappointing season. Although the Reds have practically secured their place in the next Champions League, their aspirations to defend the Premier League title, which they won brilliantly last season under the Dutch coach, seem to have faded months ago.
Sources close to the team indicate that Slot may receive another opportunity to lead the rebuilding process in the summer, but the scenario could change drastically if Liverpool’s decision-makers believe that Alonso, who played for the club between 2009 and 2015, is about to accept an offer from elsewhere.
Lee Phelps, a spokesperson for William Hill, comments: “Xabi Alonso’s meteoric rise to the top of the list of candidates for the Chelsea managerial position has been one of the most significant changes we’ve seen in the markets this week. The continued support for the Spaniard indicates that he is firmly on the club’s radar, gaining even more momentum after Chelsea’s home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday. If an opportunity arises at Liverpool, Alonso is also the clear favorite to take charge at his former club, and after a disappointing campaign at Anfield this season, a return to Merseyside is far from being ruled out.”
Michael Carrick in a favorable position to take over at United
Meanwhile, the summer promises to be busy in the coaching world, with potential vacancies not only at Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Chelsea, but also at Manchester United. The Red Devils’ management faces the decision of officially appointing Michael Carrick as head coach, following his interim tenure.
Betting houses seem to be heavily favoring Carrick’s continuation, with odds of 1/5 for him to sign a long-term contract at Old Trafford, indicating that the club trusts his work and may provide him with stability for the future.
With movements already gaining momentum, this technical transfer window promises to redefine the fortunes of some of the biggest European clubs, and Xabi Alonso could emerge as the big winner in this battle of titans. Stay tuned for upcoming updates from this market that promises unexpected twists!
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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