Liverpool shows no interest in their "dream coach," who is ready to manage a Premier League rival.
On 12 May 2026, David Ornstein, a trusted journalist from The Athletic, reported that Xabi Alonso, a former fan-favorite player and Liverpool’s dream managerial pick, is likely to take the head coach role at Chelsea, a fellow Premier League competitor.
David Ornstein stated, "Chelsea is considering appointing Xabi Alonso as the club's new head coach, and the Spanish coach is open to the possibility."
"However, no decision has been made yet, as the search for a permanent successor to Liam Rosenior is ongoing. Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth’s head coach who is expected to leave his position, is also a strong candidate."
"Alonso, 44, has been without a managerial role since being dismissed by Real Madrid on 12 January, replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa, the club’s reserve team coach."
Xabi Alonso has long been watched regarding his next move after making his name at Bayer Leverkusen, transforming them from relegation candidates in the 2022-23 season into undefeated Bundesliga champions in 2023-24. He also won the DFB-Pokal and led the team to the Europa League final.
Besides Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola, Chelsea’s shortlist includes well-known coaches such as Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), both of whom have contracts ending this season, as well as Felipe Luis, former Flamengo head coach, and Cesc Fabregas, Como’s manager and a former Chelsea player.
Chelsea aims to appoint a new head coach before their preseason preparations begin in early July.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, previously rumored to be interested in Xabi Alonso and facing fan demands to hire him as their new manager, has shown no sign of bringing back the former beloved player to Anfield, remaining confident in current coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool fans recently launched a viral online campaign, "Arne Slot Out," gathering nearly one million signatures calling for Slot’s dismissal after the team lost contention for all trophies this season and now faces a tough fight to qualify for the UEFA Champions League in the final two Premier League matches. However, the club has yet to respond to this movement.
