Initially, I couldn't really look past Fabregas. Taking out all the unrealistic names like Jose, Tuchel and Conte, that is. But the more I think about it, the more I feel it would be slightly too soon for him to manage Chelsea. He's doing good things at Como but that is a far cry from what he'll be facing in London. I do think he has the potential to be a good manager but I can't shake the feeling that we'd be spoiling the potential at this stage.
The other thing I feel is important is that we need this manager installed as quickly as possible so he can begin planning the pre-season and overlooking the squad adjustments. As such, managers who are currently unavailable, and especially those that will be involved in the World Cup, really are not going to be ideal choices.
When thinking about it in this way, I have to say that Xabi Alonso feels like the right one. His work at Bayer Leverkusen was really quite impressive. Having said that, his inability to control the dressing room in Madrid does feel me with some concern. But I'd consider Alonso to be in a different league to Potter and Rosenior. And I do have some hope that as long as he is supported in the right way, he could find success at Chelsea. Supported in the right way means having his say in the squad adjustment. The noises around the supposed negotiations are positive. If he puts his foot down and says he won't take the job without greater control than what Rosenior had, and the owners and director give in, this would put us on a better path to success.
Who the club choose between Alonso and Iraola will tell us fans quite a lot. If we end up with Iraola, it will be more of the same but maybe with a better coach with more experience in the Premier League. If we get Alonso, maybe that self-reflection worked Here's hoping ...
