Chelsea beat City 1–0 — and the manager hunt heats up

Result: Chelsea 1–0 Man City

Chelsea beat Man City 1–0. A clean sheet, three points, job done (1).

Manager hunt: Alonso wanted, but Liverpool complicate it

Chelsea want Xabi Alonso as their next manager. Initial contacts have been made (4). The problem: Liverpool are also in the picture, and Alonso has not ruled them out (2). Chelsea have identified at least one Premier League alternative in case it falls through (4). Andoni Iraola is emerging as a serious option alongside Alonso, with both men currently above every other name in the club's thinking (2) (4).

Fabregas throws his name in

Cesc Fabregas has refused to rule out taking the Chelsea job (3). He's managing Como in Serie A. It's unlikely to go anywhere given the Alonso and Iraola pursuit, but he hasn't closed the door.

Reece James: the problem that won't go away

Chelsea's over-reliance on Reece James is a structural problem (5). He keeps getting injured. The squad has no real answer at right back when he's out. It needs fixing this summer, whoever the new manager is.

Fan reactions

The fanbase is split between excitement about Alonso and growing confidence in Iraola, with fan reports backing both names as the clear frontrunners. There's also genuine warmth around the news that Millie Bright will be honoured at the season finale against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. And a fun footnote: Malang Sarr, once written off as a Cobham misfit, has made the Ligue 1 Team of the Season.

Sources

  • 1. news.google.com — ️ REWIND | Chelsea 1-0 Man City | Video | Official Site - Chelsea official site
  • 2. readchelsea.com — Chelsea handed Liverpool problem by Xabi Alonso
  • 3. news.google.com — Cesc Fabregas refuses to rule out top job amid Chelsea links - Metro.co.uk
  • 4. news.google.com — Xabi Alonso latest: 'Initial contacts' made as Chelsea identify Premier League alternative despite Liverpool links remaining - Sports Mole
  • 5. theprideoflondon.com — Chelsea’s biggest problem has been hiding in plain sight