Chelsea are in search of a new manager to replace Mauricio Pochettino and have identified Liverpool target Xabi Alonso as an ideal successor, according to Sports Zone.
The French publication states that the Blues co-owner Behdad Eghbali highly rates the Bayer Leverkusen boss, having guided the club to the top of the Bundesliga, and remain unbeaten in all competitions at the start of February.
Pochettino is running out of time following his side’s latest 4-2 defeat at home to Wolves. They were outplayed on their way to suffering a 10th league loss of the season on Sunday.
The former Tottenham and PSG manager apologised to the fans after the game and admitted his job is not safe.
“We are not good enough [today],” the Argentinian said.
“Myself, also. I’m responsible for this situation. What we showed today was not good enough. We didn’t manage the situation properly and of course no one can be safe. I don’t want to come here and say I am the best. We’re all responsible.
“The players need to take responsibility like I take responsibility. At the moment we’re not matching the history of the club. That’s true. We need to accept it, be critical but we cannot give up. We’ll work hard to change. If it’s not working in this way, we need to move on and find a different solution.”
He added, “The perception is Chelsea should be in a different position. To understand the fans is really important. We want to apologise.
“We are disappointed like them but we need to fight together. We need to stay together. They are right to criticise and be angry but the players are young, the young team needs support. To be at this club you need to be strong.”
Chelsea have faced a challenging season, conceding more goals than they’ve scored in the first 23 games, causing concern among club officials.
Despite securing a spot in the Carabao Cup final, Pochettino has struggled to make a positive impact since his arrival last summer, putting the club in a daunting position as they prepare to face Liverpool later this month.
Sports Zone further stated that Behdad Eghbali is keen on bringing Alonso to the club immediately but Todd Boehly may be hesitant about an immediate managerial change.
Alonso has also been linked with the Liverpool job following Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave at the end of the current season.
The 42-year-old, a former Liverpool player from 2004 to 2009, has become a frontrunner for the position.
He had successful stints with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich before returning to the Bundesliga in October 2022 as the head coach at Bayer Leverkusen.
Leverkusen currently lead the Bundesliga with 52 points, two points ahead of defending champions Bayern Munich.
Despite signing a contract extension with Leverkusen in the summer until the end of the 2025-26 campaign, Alonso is believed to have a gentleman’s agreement with the club hierarchy, allowing him to leave for a top club like Liverpool.
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