Xabi Alonso in talks with Chelsea

Chelsea are in talks with Xabi Alonso about their vacant head coach role, according to multiple reports this week, as the club prepares for Saturday's FA Cup final under interim coach Calum McFarlane. Chelsea have not announced a preferred candidate, but British media reports on May 14 and May 15 said discussions with Alonso's camp had moved forward. The 44-year-old Spaniard has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in January. Chelsea said on April 22 that it had parted company with Liam Rosenior and would begin a process to make a long-term appointment. ### Why is Chelsea looking for a coach again? Chelsea said on April 22 that Rosenior had left after recent results and performances "fallen below the necessary standards," ending a tenure that had begun on January 6. The club said McFarlane would take charge until the end of the season and described the next step as a search for stability in the position. (chelseafc.com) Rosenior had signed a contract through 2032 when Chelsea appointed him in January. In that announcement, Chelsea said he had the club's backing to compete at the top level, making the April dismissal a sharp reversal in a little more than three months. ### What is known about Alonso's recent job history? (chelseafc.com) Real Madrid said on January 12 that Alonso's spell as first-team coach had ended "by mutual agreement" with the club. The Spanish club had announced on May 25, 2025 that Alonso would coach the team for three seasons from June 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028. (chelseafc.com) The timing means Alonso's Real Madrid stint lasted a little more than six months. Real Madrid did not give a detailed public explanation in its January statement beyond saying the two sides had agreed to end his time in charge. ### What are the reports saying about the Chelsea talks? (realmadrid.com) The Guardian reported on May 14 that Chelsea players believe Alonso is the ideal candidate and that talks with his representatives were progressing positively. A separate report carried by Yahoo on May 15 said Alonso was seeking assurances from Chelsea before accepting the role. (realmadrid.com) Those reports also said no agreement had been completed. Chelsea's official website, as of May 15, still lists McFarlane's pre-FA Cup final media duties and match preparations, with no announcement on a permanent appointment. ### What assurances is Alonso reported to want? Reports on May 15 said Alonso wanted guarantees and contractual clarity before taking the job, reflecting caution after his short spell at Real Madrid. (tribuna.com) Goal.com reported that Chelsea were also considering other candidates, while Alonso remained the frontrunner in current discussions. (chelseafc.com) Chelsea have not publicly detailed the terms it would offer a new head coach. The club's April 22 statement said only that it would undertake "a process of self-reflection" as it worked toward a long-term appointment. ### Where do things stand before the next decision? Chelsea's next match is the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on May 16, according to the club's official schedule. (goal.com) The club website also lists a Premier League home game against Tottenham Hotspur on May 19. Any formal move on Alonso is likely to come through an official Chelsea statement. (chelseafc.com) As of May 15, the club had not named a permanent successor to Rosenior, and McFarlane remained the acting head coach for the run-in. (chelseafc.com)