In the high stakes chess game of Premier League managerial appointments, Chelsea have entered into formal discussions with former Real Madrid boss Xab...
In the high stakes chess game of Premier League managerial appointments, Chelsea have entered into formal discussions with former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso to take the reins at Stamford Bridge, GoalZaza can authoritatively report. The Basque tactician, who has been out of the dugout since his departure from the Santiago Bernabeu, now appears to be the prime candidate to succeed the departed manager in West London. At the end of the day, the powers that be at Chelsea are clearly looking for a man of Alonso's pedigree to restore order and silverware to a club that has become accustomed to both. The lion's share of the speculation has also linked the highly rated Spaniard with the Liverpool job, with Anfield insiders suggesting that Arne Slot's inconsistent run of results has opened the door for a potential change. Should the Reds decide to part ways with the Dutchman, Alonso would be a formidable candidate to return to the club where he won the Champions League as a player. However, Chelsea are moving with haste, and the early signs suggest that the London giants are determined to give a good account of themselves in this race. In the scheme of things, this is a significant development for the Nigerian football community, as many Super Eagles stars and homegrown talents ply their trade in the Premier League. A coach of Alonso's calibre could be the difference between a club challenging for top four or languishing in mid table obscurity. Nigerian internationals like Victor Osimhen, who has been consistently linked with a move to England, would certainly welcome a structured, possession based system under a manager of Alonso's tactical sophistication. The viewing centres in Surulere and Wuse will be buzzing with this news. Fans draped in blue and white jerseys will gather around large screens, vigorously debating whether the former Galactico can handle the pressure of the Stamford Bridge hot seat. One can already hear the animated discussions about Alonso's Europa League final triumph and whether his brand of football can withstand the rough and tumble of the English game. It is a story that will dominate conversations from the betting shops in Ojuelegba to the executive lounges in Victoria Island.
