Revealed: Chelsea wanted Alonso as Pochettino replacement

Cameron Smith

31 Mar 2024 14:39 BST
3 min read

Xabi Alonso, Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea had reportedly shortlisted Xabi Alonso as a possible replacement for Mauricio Pochettino before he confirmed that he would not be leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

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Alonso, 42, was named as Liverpool and Bayern Munich’s number one managerial candidate to take over ahead of the 2024-25 season due to the imminent departures of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield and Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena.

However, he has revealed that he will remain at Leverkusen until at least the summer of 2025.

In a press conference ahead of Leverkusen’s 2-1 win over Hoffenheim, Alonso revealed why he opted to reject interest from two of his former club. We have had a lot of speculation regarding my future,” he said.

“Until now we have had so many games, been pretty busy and focused, and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision.

"The players gave me so many reasons to keep believing in the team - for their commitment, for their desire, for their hunger to have a great season. My job is not over here.”

Alonso has been arguably the best manager in world football this season, with Leverkusen currently top of the Bundesliga, into the quarter-finals of the Europa League and the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal. Incredibly, they are still unbeaten in all competitions this campaign.

As a result, he was tipped to replace either Klopp at Liverpool or Tuchel at Bayern. But, Alonso has stated that he will not leave Leverkusen this summer.

Chelsea also wanted Xabi Alonso

According to German outlet Fussball Transfers, Chelsea were interested in appointing Alonso as Pochettino’s replacement before he committed his future to Leverkusen.

Pochettino remains in charge at Stamford Bridge, but he is under immense pressure following a poor domestic season.

© IMAGO - Mauricio Pochettino is under pressure at Chelsea

The Blues are currently 11th in the Premier League table and they drew 2-2 against relegation-threatened Burnley on Saturday, despite the fact Vincent Kompany’s side played with 10-men for the majority of the contest.

Chelsea fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with Pochettino on social media and many have called for their club’s hierarchy to fire the Argentine before their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City in April