09 May 2026 17:13:13
For those interested in selected managers' odds
Next Chelsea manager: Alonso 6/4, Iraola 3/1
Next Liverpool manager: Alonso 4/6, Iraola 7/1.
09 May 2026 18:09:03
That tells me that Alonso is going to Liverpool and Iraola is going to Palace.
09 May 2026 18:17:18
Not really, because if Alonso goes to Liverpool, Iraola would shorten to about 4/5 to be our manager.
It's just bookmaker talk anyway.
09 May 2026 18:19:23
Maybe I should have added the Iraola odds for the Palace job. He is 11/8.
09 May 2026 19:41:04
As I said earlier, Tom, he is Palace bound.
09 May 2026 19:54:17
Bill, it looks like the bookies think it depends on Alonso going to Liverpool. If he does, then Iriola would probably be shorter odds to join us rather than Palace.
10 May 2026 08:45:00
Tom, Alonso will likely go to Liverpool at some point. Iraola would be a risk, as it is a huge jump in terms of pressure and expectations. Bournemouth had a long winless run, and it goes under the radar. At Chelsea, the lynch mob will want him out. It could work, but it might also be another Potter moment or Thomas Frank to Spurs moment.
There is no need to panic, the players are off to the World Cup, so any new manager won't work with them for some time yet. Maybe wait to see what international managers might become available?
10 May 2026 09:21:16
Greenaway, I would like new signings the day after the last game of the season. I would like whoever it is to be involved in the recruitment process.
I have no idea who is going to be our next manager, although my mate still insists we have already agreed a deal with Alonso, who wouldn't be my first choice, but I have to admit his BL team was a well drilled, hard working unit.
10 May 2026 09:37:21
Tom, I would rather wait for the right appointment and not panic. By way of signings, I don't think there is much money in the pot, so the priority will be selling players, and that will take time. Geovany Quenda, Denner, Dastan Satpaev and Emmanuel Emegha have all been signed, and both Mike Penders and Jackson are returning. Denner and Satpaev may go out on loan.
10 May 2026 09:45:53
Greenaway, I also want the manager involved in sales and loans. I personally would keep Chalaboa over Fofana. I wouldn't let Josh go out on loan, but I would sell Gusto asap, and I would prefer an early decision about Jackson.
These are my views, but, in my opinion, waiting doesn't do anyone any favours.
I am pleased we have already done some business on the recruitment front, and I only think we will sign three ish players, but who leaves is very important.
10 May 2026 10:00:56
Greenaway, All new coaches are a risk; some riskier than others. We all knew Lr was a disastrous appointment. Iraola and Alonso to me seem to be the best available options. Which international managers are we waiting for? You snooze, you lose.
10 May 2026 10:18:23
Jimbo, Carlo and Nagglesman would both tick a lot of boxes, maybe even Deschamps, who is leaving France after the WC, with Zidane taking over.
10 May 2026 10:56:52
Xabi Alonso is who Chelsea wants, and there have been ongoing talks about the project.
If Alonso does not join Chelsea, it will not be down to the lack of trying, but perhaps because he moves to Liverpool or decides the job is not right for him.
Whoever joins, Chelsea will say they were the number one option and have full faith in him.
Also, Chelsea themselves want to keep things quiet, so don't be surprised if Alonso is downplayed and they say the race is still open.
It technically is, but Alonso is the guy they want, but there won't be a mass release on that info from club-based journalists in fear of making it look like they 'missed out' on their number 1 choice. Iraola's side are pushing the Palace stuff in an attempt to see how Chelsea react. Iraola would like the Chelsea job. He could end up there if we get Alonso, or he could pivot elsewhere.
10 May 2026 11:50:49
RPD, My guess is you are about right. My first choice will have to wait. ?
10 May 2026 18:50:33
More and more I believe Alonso is Liverpool bound.
10 May 2026 21:45:59
Bill, you are probably right. We will probably end up with a coach that most of us are unhappy with, and we will continue our decline. However, none of this will be surprising. The owners and hierarchy are out of their depth as far as football is concerned. This is evidenced by the dreadful signings last summer and the appointment of LR.
I am still waiting for the "bumper" FOS sponsorship deal that some have alluded to.
I will be very happy to be proved wrong, and if things go in the right direction, I will give credit where it is due.
10 May 2026 22:23:08
Bill, I doubt I will be happy with any managerial appointment, but I live in hope, and, as I think I mentioned before, I can wait before I moan.