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Chelsea's alternative manager 'everyone would be on board with' if Xabi Alonso rejects job

Reported by Football ·Onenewspage
May 15, 2026· 2 min read
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Key Takeaways
  • • Chelsea Football Club is conducting an active managerial search following the departure of Liam Rosenior, with Xabi Alonso (former Real Madrid manager) currently leading the candidacy ahead of alternative contenders.
  • • Cesc Fabregas, former Chelsea midfielder turned manager at Italian Serie A club Como 1907, has emerged as a credible alternative candidate, having secured promotion to Serie A and positioned the club for Champions League contention.
  • • Ex-Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair has publicly advocated for Fabregas as the preferred choice, citing his established relationship with the supporter base and demonstrated respect from current Chelsea players as competitive advantages in the hiring decision.
  • • Fabregas's managerial credentials rest on successful club development at Como 1907, demonstrating what Sinclair characterizes as "a really good football brain" and strategic acumen in European football management.
  • • The managerial vacancy represents an ongoing institutional instability at Chelsea, requiring BlueCo ownership to resolve leadership continuity—a critical operational consideration for club stakeholders and investor confidence.
Summary
Chelsea Football Club remains in the process of appointing a permanent head coach following the departure of Liam Rosenior last month due to poor on-field performance. Interim manager Calum McFarlane has overseen club operations until the conclusion of the current season. The search has identified multiple candidates, with former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso currently positioned as the frontrunner for the position.

Cesc Fabregas, a former Chelsea midfielder with significant institutional history at Stamford Bridge, has attracted serious consideration as an alternative candidate. Fabregas has gained prominence in European football management through his role at Italian club Como 1907, where he orchestrated the team's promotion to Serie A and has positioned the club as a contender for UEFA Champions League qualification in the forthcoming season. His managerial trajectory demonstrates both strategic capability and tactical development of competitive squads.

According to ex-Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair, Fabregas represents an institutional fit that extends beyond pure managerial credentials. Speaking exclusively to football.london, Sinclair emphasized that Fabregas would secure immediate supporter backing "purely because of his relationship with the supporters" and commands respect from current Chelsea players, evidenced by players' reactions during visits to the training ground. Sinclair characterized Fabregas's organizational abilities as reflecting substantive football acumen.

While recent reporting indicates Alonso maintains the advantage in the candidacy process, Sinclair stated a preference for Fabregas as his first choice based on relational factors and demonstrated competence in competitive European management. The appointment decision carries implications for organizational continuity at BlueCo-controlled Chelsea, as managerial volatility can impact institutional credibility with investors, players, and stakeholders.

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Football Chelsea's alternative manager 'everyone would be on board with' if Xabi Alonso rejects job Onenewspage Chelsea's alternative manager 'everyone would be on board with' if Xabi Alonso rejects job