Marcos News

Chelsea optimistic about luring Xabi Alonso but are also eyeing Andoni Iraola

Chelsea have held encouraging discussions over a move for Xabi Alonso but are keeping their options open and are closely monitoring Andoni Iraola’s situation. The west London club are looking for a permanent head coach and it is understood that Alonso and Iraola have emerged as the top picks for the role. Other managers are still under consideration, though, and Chelsea are not expected to rush a final decision on who to appoint. Chelsea, who made Calum McFarlane interim head coach until the end of the season after firing Liam Rosenior last month, have also looked at Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and the former Flamengo manager Filipe Luís. Silva is out of contract at the end of the season and Glasner will leave Palace after the Conference League final later this month. The Stamford Bridge hierarchy is confident of attracting their favoured candidate and there is optimism over how early talks with Alonso’s camp have gone. The 44-year-old, who announced himself as one of the best young managers in Europe when he won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid earlier this season and has been on Chelsea’s radar for at least three years. There is a feeling inside Chelsea that Alonso’s style of play would make him suited to their young squad. The former Spain midfielder’s standing within the game would help him control the dressing room and could also help with attracting players to the club. The unknown is whether Alonso decides to move to England now or opts to take a break. But suggestions that he is waiting to see if the Liverpool role becomes open soon have been exaggerated. The current sense is that the Merseysiders will stick with Arne Slot this summer, although that is yet to be confirmed. Alonso is fondly remembered at Liverpool after playing for them between 2004 and 2009, winning the Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup the following year. Chelsea entered a period of “self-reflection” after Rosenior was fired three and a half months after replacing Enzo Maresca. Something that has been acknowledged by the recruitment department is the need for the team to become more physical. That heightens the appeal of Iraola, whose Bournemouth side are one of the most intense in the Premier League. Chelsea have met Iraola to talk to him about the role. There is respect for the Spaniard’s work with Bournemouth and a sense that he is more than capable of taking on a big job. Iraola has responded to Bournemouth losing a number of key players in defence and attack during the past year by putting them in contention for Champions League qualification. The south coast club are four points off the top five with two games left. It is understood that Iraola has also met with Manchester United, although the current indications are that they will stick with Michael Carrick. Bournemouth are six points clear of Chelsea, who are desperately trying to rescue a disappointing season by snatching European qualification. McFarlane will be in the dugout when Chelsea face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

2026-05-12

Chelsea optimistic about luring Xabi Alonso but are also eyeing Andoni Iraola

Chelsea have held encouraging discussions over a move for Xabi Alonso but are keeping their options open and are closely monitoring Andoni Iraola’s situation. The west London club are looking for a permanent head coach and it is understood that Alonso and Iraola have emerged as the top picks for the role. Other managers are still under consideration, though, and Chelsea are not expected to rush a final decision on who to appoint. Chelsea, who made Calum McFarlane interim head coach until the end of the season after firing Liam Rosenior last month, have also looked at Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and the former Flamengo manager Filipe Luís. Silva is out of contract at the end of the season and Glasner will leave Palace after the Conference League final later this month. The Stamford Bridge hierarchy is confident of attracting their favoured candidate and there is optimism over how early talks with Alonso’s camp have gone. The 44-year-old, who announced himself as one of the best young managers in Europe when he won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid earlier this season and has been on Chelsea’s radar for at least three years. There is a feeling inside Chelsea that Alonso’s style of play would make him suited to their young squad. The former Spain midfielder’s standing within the game would help him control the dressing room and could also help with attracting players to the club. The unknown is whether Alonso decides to move to England now or opts to take a break. But suggestions that he is waiting to see if the Liverpool role becomes open soon have been exaggerated. The current sense is that the Merseysiders will stick with Arne Slot this summer, although that is yet to be confirmed. Alonso is fondly remembered at Liverpool after playing for them between 2004 and 2009, winning the Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup the following year. Chelsea entered a period of “self-reflection” after Rosenior was fired three and a half months after replacing Enzo Maresca. Something that has been acknowledged by the recruitment department is the need for the team to become more physical. That heightens the appeal of Iraola, whose Bournemouth side are one of the most intense in the Premier League. Chelsea have met Iraola to talk to him about the role. There is respect for the Spaniard’s work with Bournemouth and a sense that he is more than capable of taking on a big job. Iraola has responded to Bournemouth losing a number of key players in defence and attack during the past year by putting them in contention for Champions League qualification. The south coast club are four points off the top five with two games left. It is understood that Iraola has also met with Manchester United, although the current indications are that they will stick with Michael Carrick. Bournemouth are six points clear of Chelsea, who are desperately trying to rescue a disappointing season by snatching European qualification. McFarlane will be in the dugout when Chelsea face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

2026-05-12

Xabi Alonso decides on Chelsea job as Liverpool handed sudden update on manager

Xabi Alonso is reportedly willing to take charge at Chelsea this summer amid reports linking him with Liverpool. The Spaniard, who left Real Madrid in January, features on the shortlist as the Blues search for a long-term successor to Liam Rosenior. Chelsea have entered into discussions with Alonso's representatives. The Athletic reports that the 44-year-old is keen on the prospect. Rosenior lasted just 106 days at Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca's replacement, paying the price for a dreadful run of results that looks likely to deny Chelsea a Champions League spot. Yet that has seemingly done little to dampen Alonso's interest in the Stamford Bridge post. However, it remains far from guaranteed that the London club will confirm the former Liverpool midfielder as their preferred candidate. Alonso is one of six names on the shortlist, alongside Cesc Fabregas, Oliver Glasner, Filipe Luis, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva. Glasner will depart UEFA Conference League finalists Crystal Palace at the conclusion of the campaign. Iraola is also leaving Bournemouth this summer despite the prospect of guiding them into the Champions League. At present, there is no definitive decision on who Chelsea's first-choice candidate is to fill the vacancy. Alonso famously led Bayer Leverkusen to their maiden Bundesliga title during a remarkable unbeaten 2023-24 campaign, which also yielded the DFB Pokal and a Europa League final appearance, where they fell to Atalanta. Alonso has been linked with a return to Liverpool amid the talk over Arne Slot's future at Anfield, and there have been claims that they are already in contact with his representatives. Slot is under mounting pressure at Anfield and heard audible jeers during Saturday's match against Chelsea. The Blues plan to have a new head coach in place by mid-June. Regardless of whether they secure Champions League qualification, the club are gearing up for a busy summer and intend to recruit at least a new centre-back, central midfielder and left-sided winger. For the moment, the Blues are concentrating on appointing their next manager. Fabregas is determined to remain at Como, having delivered Champions League football for the Serie A side, while Iraola and Glasner will have plenty of alternatives available. Silva is also out of contract this summer, though Fulham have tabled a three-year offer to keep him. Liverpool, meanwhile, say they maintain complete confidence in the title-winning Dutchman Slot, but there is increasing unrest amongst the support. Alonso's links to the Liverpool job date back to Jurgen Klopp's announcement that he would be leaving, yet it was Slot who ultimately landed the position. Alonso is said to have turned down approaches from his former club before securing the Real Madrid post in the summer of 2025. FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page "At that time, I was focused, I had a big thing with the Leverkusen players, and we were really focused on that," Alonso later explained when asked about rejecting Liverpool. He said in another interview: "All these decisions, they need to be thorough. "You need to really think about them, and it was more about what I had, not what I'm missing. For sure, my bond with Liverpool is there, and it's still there, so there's not any kind of issue with that."

2026-05-11

Benfica to target Fulham’s Marco Silva if they lose José Mourinho to Real Madrid

Benfica will target Fulham’s Marco Silva as their manager if they lose José Mourinho to Real Madrid. Mourinho is Madrid’s preferred choice and talks have taken place over the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager returning to the Bernabéu. Benfica do not want to lose the 63-year-old, who was hired last September, but need a contingency plan. They are looking at Silva as a potential replacement for Mourinho, who is expected to agree to a second spell at Madrid 13 years after his first ended. Fulham want to keep Silva and have offered him a new contract, but the 48-year-old is yet to decide whether it is time for a new challenge. Silva lifted the club into the Premier League in 2022 and has established them there, but they have struggled to sustain a push for European qualification. Moving to Benfica, who are second to Porto in Portugal, would give him the chance to coach in the Champions League. Chelsea also have Silva on their shortlist as they look for a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was fired last month. The club are prepared to wait until the season is over before making an appointment and are understood to regard Xabi Alonso as their ideal candidate. Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024, has been out of work since his dismissal by Madrid this season. The Spaniard is thought to want his next job to be in England and has been on Chelsea’s radar for at least three years. Liverpool have been mentioned as a possible destination should they part company with Arne Slot. Chelsea have made checks on Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, who are losing Oliver Glasner, also want Iraola. Chelsea are monitoring Glasner and have looked at their former left-back Filipe Luís, who is waiting for his next role after leaving Flamengo. Luis was considered before Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca in January.

2026-05-11

Benfica will target Fulham’s Marco Silva if they lose Mourinho to Real Madrid

Benfica will target Fulham’s Marco Silva as their manager if they lose José Mourinho to Real Madrid. Mourinho is Madrid’s preferred choice and talks have taken place over the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager returning to the Bernabéu. Benfica do not want to lose the 63-year-old, who was hired last September, but need a contingency plan. They are looking at Silva as a potential replacement for Mourinho, who is expected to agree to a second spell at Madrid 13 years after his first ended. Fulham want to keep Silva and have offered him a new contract, but the 48-year-old is yet to decide whether it is time for a new challenge. Silva lifted the club into the Premier League in 2022 and has established them there, but they have struggled to sustain a push for European qualification. Moving to Benfica, who are second to Porto in Portugal, would give him the chance to coach in the Champions League. Chelsea also have Silva on their shortlist as they look for a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was fired last month. The club are prepared to wait until the season is over before making an appointment and are understood to regard Xabi Alonso as their ideal candidate. Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024, has been out of work since his dismissal by Madrid this season. The Spaniard is thought to want his next job to be in England and has been on Chelsea’s radar for at least three years. Liverpool have been mentioned as a possible destination should they part company with Arne Slot. Chelsea have made checks on Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, who are losing Oliver Glasner, also want Iraola. Chelsea are monitoring Glasner and have looked at their former left-back Filipe Luís, who is waiting for his next role after leaving Flamengo. Luis was considered before Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca in January.

2026-05-11

Benfica will target Fulham’s Marco Silva if they lose Mourinho to Real Madrid

Benfica will target Fulham’s Marco Silva as their manager if they lose José Mourinho to Real Madrid. Mourinho is Madrid’s preferred choice and talks have taken place over the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager returning to the Bernabéu. Benfica do not want to lose the 63-year-old, who was hired last September, but need a contingency plan. They are looking at Silva as a potential replacement for Mourinho, who is expected to agree to a second spell at Madrid 13 years after his first ended. Fulham want to keep Silva and have offered him a new contract, but the 48-year-old is yet to decide whether it is time for a new challenge. Silva lifted the club into the Premier League in 2022 and has established them there, but they have struggled to sustain a push for European qualification. Moving to Benfica, who are second to Porto in Portugal, would give him the chance to coach in the Champions League. Chelsea also have Silva on their shortlist as they look for a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was fired last month. The club are prepared to wait until the season is over before making an appointment and are understood to regard Xabi Alonso as their ideal candidate. Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024, has been out of work since his dismissal by Madrid this season. The Spaniard is thought to want his next job to be in England and has been on Chelsea’s radar for at least three years. Liverpool have been mentioned as a possible destination should they part company with Arne Slot. Chelsea have made checks on Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, who are losing Oliver Glasner, also want Iraola. Chelsea are monitoring Glasner and have looked at their former left-back Filipe Luís, who is waiting for his next role after leaving Flamengo. Luis was considered before Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca in January.

2026-05-11

Benfica will target Fulham’s Marco Silva if they lose Mourinho to Real Madrid

Benfica will target Fulham’s Marco Silva as their manager if they lose José Mourinho to Real Madrid. Mourinho is Madrid’s preferred choice and talks have taken place over the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager returning to the Bernabéu. Benfica do not want to lose the 63-year-old, who was hired last September, but need a contingency plan. They are looking at Silva as a potential replacement for Mourinho, who is expected to agree to a second spell at Madrid 13 years after his first ended. Fulham want to keep Silva and have offered him a new contract, but the 48-year-old is yet to decide whether it is time for a new challenge. Silva lifted the club into the Premier League in 2022 and has established them there, but they have struggled to sustain a push for European qualification. Moving to Benfica, who are second to Porto in Portugal, would give him the chance to coach in the Champions League. Chelsea also have Silva on their shortlist as they look for a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was fired last month. The club are prepared to wait until the season is over before making an appointment and are understood to regard Xabi Alonso as their ideal candidate. Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024, has been out of work since his dismissal by Madrid this season. The Spaniard is thought to want his next job to be in England and has been on Chelsea’s radar for at least three years. Liverpool have been mentioned as a possible destination should they part company with Arne Slot. Chelsea have made checks on Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, who are losing Oliver Glasner, also want Iraola. Chelsea are monitoring Glasner and have looked at their former left-back Filipe Luís, who is waiting for his next role after leaving Flamengo. Luis was considered before Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca in January.

2026-05-11

Benfica will target Fulham’s Marco Silva if they lose Mourinho to Real Madrid

Benfica will target Fulham’s Marco Silva as their manager if they lose José Mourinho to Real Madrid. Mourinho is Madrid’s preferred choice and talks have taken place over the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager returning to the Bernabéu. Benfica do not want to lose the 63-year-old, who was hired last September, but need a contingency plan. They are looking at Silva as a potential replacement for Mourinho, who is expected to agree to a second spell at Madrid 13 years after his first ended. Fulham want to keep Silva and have offered him a new contract, but the 48-year-old is yet to decide whether it is time for a new challenge. Silva lifted the club into the Premier League in 2022 and has established them there, but they have struggled to sustain a push for European qualification. Moving to Benfica, who are second to Porto in Portugal, would give him the chance to coach in the Champions League. Chelsea also have Silva on their shortlist as they look for a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was fired last month. The club are prepared to wait until the season is over before making an appointment and are understood to regard Xabi Alonso as their ideal candidate. Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024, has been out of work since his dismissal by Madrid this season. The Spaniard is thought to want his next job to be in England and has been on Chelsea’s radar for at least three years. Liverpool have been mentioned as a possible destination should they part company with Arne Slot. Chelsea have made checks on Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, who are losing Oliver Glasner, also want Iraola. Chelsea are monitoring Glasner and have looked at their former left-back Filipe Luís, who is waiting for his next role after leaving Flamengo. Luis was considered before Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca in January.

2026-05-11

Bournemouth sink Fulham in 10-a-side contest to strengthen European hopes

Another giant step towards Europe for Bournemouth, another glimpse of Rayan’s talent, his goal a moment of calm, time and space found amid high-octane hustle. Tempers boiled over, both teams reduced to 10 men by first-half losses of reason. Fulham fought hard for their own quest to play European football. Falling short opens up deep questions of their future direction. A new contract offer to Marco Silva has remained unsigned since November, and he is free to field offers. Europe, a long-term ambition, veers beyond reach. That Silva has never received sufficient backing is an opinion he has freely expressed. Achieving it might keep Silva at Craven Cottage but such an outcome now relies on permutations beyond his control. Uncertainty at Bournemouth lies in the future of the outgoing Andoni Iraola. If Crystal Palace’s interest is made plain, further vacancies at Manchester United and Chelsea may arise, and perhaps now Liverpool after Arne Slot’s lunchtime barracking at Anfield. Iraola denied he had made his decision. “Everyone knows what is happening, the process has been so clear and honest,” he said. “Marco Rose is going to be manager next season.” What legacy can Iraola leave? Bournemouth’s push for history was unaided by the events of Friday. Adam Smith played right-back, with Álex Jiménez suspended pending a club investigation into social media activity. “You have to separate the football from the rest,” said Iraola. “The investigation is ongoing. I cannot get involved in that.” Ryan Christie started instead of Tyler Adams. He did not last beyond half-time, sent off for a scraping lunge down Timothy Castagne’s calf. Fulham’s Joachim Andersen survived barely much longer, committing a similar offence after launching into Adrien Truffert. “Both red cards, yes, I understand the decision,” said Iraola. “I don’t want to go deep into it,” said a rueful Silva. “It’s normal.” Should Silva depart, Craven Cottage will miss him. Club traditions of expansive, enjoyable football have been adhered to, modernised in five years by the Thames. In shirt-sleeve conditions cooled by a summer breeze, Rodrigo Muniz started as a striker goalless since the opening day of the season. The Brazilian headed wide the best chance of the first half-hour, having struggled to match the dynamism of a support group in constant positional rotation. “We have to be clinical,” said Silva. Iraola’s team often struggled to impose their will on Fulham, not as submissive as Crystal Palace the previous Sunday. What became the key battle was Rayan’s duel with Antonee Robinson, watched by his USA coach, Mauricio Pochettino. With the World Cup looming, Christie’s indiscretion happened in front of his Scotland coach, Steve Clarke. A fair criticism of the Iraola regime has been a failure to capitalise on opportunities. “We’ve left some positions behind,” he admitted. Their 16-match unbeaten run includes eight draws. Once Christie departed, rescuing a point became a best-case scenario, only for Andersen, who had just hit the bar with a looping header, to overcommit himself. Beyond the break, Bournemouth were significantly improved, taking far better to the extra space now on offer. “A new game,” said Iraola. “The second half was about the soul of the team.” Eli Junior Kroupi hit the bar before Rayan’s goal followed. Cutting inside, finally free of Robinson, his low shot beat Bernd Leno, the keeper possibly unsighted but slow to react, though his manager offered he had been “unlucky with a deflection” off Calvin Bassey. The teenage Brazilian’s physique and shooting prowess suggest he can soon move centrally. One for Rose to consider next season. Fulham attempted to rescue the match and their ambitions. Oscar Bobb, a substitute, smashed over and Kevin, another of Silva’s phalanx of zippy attackers, forced a fine save from Djordje Petrovic. Bournemouth sat back, dangerously so. Whomever Iraola manages next need to be aware he will use the counterattack as a central strategy. “We had to suffer,” he said. Rayan’s loping solo run took him beyond the Fulham defence before Castagne intervened. Amine Adli, with the goal gaping, committed one of the misses of the season at one end, while Fulham’s Josh King rattled the bar at the other. A furious conclusion, Bournemouth have just Manchester City and Nottingham Forest to play. “We need points from somewhere,” said Iraola, a glorious departure coming into sight.

2026-05-09

Bournemouth sink Fulham in 10-a-side contest to strengthen European hopes

Another giant step towards Europe for Bournemouth, another glimpse of Rayan’s talent, his goal a moment of calm, time and space found amid high-octane hustle. Tempers boiled over, both teams reduced to 10 men by first-half losses of reason. Fulham fought hard for their own quest to play European football. Falling short opens up deep questions of their future direction. A new contract offer to Marco Silva has remained unsigned since November, and he is free to field offers. Europe, a long-term ambition, veers beyond reach. That Silva has never received sufficient backing is an opinion he has freely expressed. Achieving it might keep Silva at Craven Cottage but such an outcome now relies on permutations beyond his control. Uncertainty at Bournemouth lies in the future of the outgoing Andoni Iraola. If Crystal Palace’s interest is made plain, further vacancies at Manchester United and Chelsea may arise, and perhaps now Liverpool after Arne Slot’s lunchtime barracking at Anfield. Iraola denied he had made his decision. “Everyone knows what is happening, the process has been so clear and honest,” he said. “Marco Rose is going to be manager next season.” What legacy can Iraola leave? Bournemouth’s push for history was unaided by the events of Friday. Adam Smith played right-back, with Álex Jiménez suspended pending a club investigation into social media activity. “You have to separate the football from the rest,” said Iraola. “The investigation is ongoing. I cannot get involved in that.” Ryan Christie started instead of Tyler Adams. He did not last beyond half-time, sent off for a scraping lunge down Timothy Castagne’s calf. Fulham’s Joachim Andersen survived barely much longer, committing a similar offence after launching into Adrien Truffert. “Both red cards, yes, I understand the decision,” said Iraola. “I don’t want to go deep into it,” said a rueful Silva. “It’s normal.” Should Silva depart, Craven Cottage will miss him. Club traditions of expansive, enjoyable football have been adhered to, modernised in five years by the Thames. In shirt-sleeve conditions cooled by a summer breeze, Rodrigo Muniz started as a striker goalless since the opening day of the season. The Brazilian headed wide the best chance of the first half-hour, having struggled to match the dynamism of a support group in constant positional rotation. “We have to be clinical,” said Silva. Iraola’s team often struggled to impose their will on Fulham, not as submissive as Crystal Palace the previous Sunday. What became the key battle was Rayan’s duel with Antonee Robinson, watched by his USA coach, Mauricio Pochettino. With the World Cup looming, Christie’s indiscretion happened in front of his Scotland coach, Steve Clarke. A fair criticism of the Iraola regime has been a failure to capitalise on opportunities. “We’ve left some positions behind,” he admitted. Their 16-match unbeaten run includes eight draws. Once Christie departed, rescuing a point became a best-case scenario, only for Andersen, who had just hit the bar with a looping header, to overcommit himself. Beyond the break, Bournemouth were significantly improved, taking far better to the extra space now on offer. “A new game,” said Iraola. “The second half was about the soul of the team.” Eli Junior Kroupi hit the bar before Rayan’s goal followed. Cutting inside, finally free of Robinson, his low shot beat Bernd Leno, the keeper possibly unsighted but slow to react, though his manager offered he had been “unlucky with a deflection” off Calvin Bassey. The teenage Brazilian’s physique and shooting prowess suggest he can soon move centrally. One for Rose to consider next season. Fulham attempted to rescue the match and their ambitions. Oscar Bobb, a substitute, smashed over and Kevin, another of Silva’s phalanx of zippy attackers, forced a fine save from Djordje Petrovic. Bournemouth sat back, dangerously so. Whomever Iraola manages next need to be aware he will use the counterattack as a central strategy. “We had to suffer,” he said. Rayan’s loping solo run took him beyond the Fulham defence before Castagne intervened. Amine Adli, with the goal gaping, committed one of the misses of the season at one end, while Fulham’s Josh King rattled the bar at the other. A furious conclusion, Bournemouth have just Manchester City and Nottingham Forest to play. “We need points from somewhere,” said Iraola, a glorious departure coming into sight.

2026-05-09