From Real Sociedad’s second team to big success in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. Then the dream job at Real Madrid, where the dream was shattered in January, already after seven months. So relevant for Liverpool, where Arne Slot has been under a lot of pressure. Last week, the link to Chelsea came. On Sunday, the confirmation came. A decision that Liverpool may regret.
Maresca’s successor at Chelsea, Liam Rosenior, lasted 106 days before he was sacked after five consecutive defeats in the Premier League without scoring. Now it is Xabi Alonso who will get his opportunity at Stamford Bridge.
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Chelsea announce that a four-year contract has been signed with Alonso.
“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and it makes me very proud to have the opportunity to be the coach of this club,” the Spaniard told the club’s website.
Who himself has played for Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
And what awaits Alonso?
Chelsea are ninth in the Premier League and could miss out on European football altogether, after their FA Cup final loss to Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.
The Blues could still finish as high as sixth, which would be enough for a Champions League spot at Aston Villa or to win the Europa League, but they will need to win both of their games and hope that other results go their way to achieve that feat.
At Liverpool, supporters are calling for a change of coach after a disappointing Premier League season as reigning champions, topped off by a 4-2 loss to Aston Villa at the weekend. Xabi Alonso has been the dream coach for many.
The decision to give Slot confidence next season and forgo the opportunity to bring Xabi Alonso to Anfield could prove to be a huge mistake. For Chelsea supporters, this could be just what the young squad needs in terms of leadership.
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