Chelsea's search for a new manager is ongoing, and the search may lead the Blues board to finally compromise over their current structure of total control. A number of targets are going to be assessed, but it appears as though the list is led by three.
Andoni Iraola, Cesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso - in no obvious order - look to be leading the shortlist as things stand, and the latest buzz has surrounded Alonso.
All eyes on Xabi Alonso
The Spaniard had a failed spell at Real Madrid earlier this season, quickly losing the dressing room in a disappointing blow following a superb stint at Bayer Leverkusen. But Real Madrid is one of the most difficult jobs in the world, so Alonso's stock has not fallen too much.
Alonso is also a free agent, which makes it easier to negotiate terms now, while Iraola will want to wait until the end of the season, when his time at AFC Bournemouth will expire, and speaking to Fabregas will require permission from Como.
But just because he doesn't have a job, it doesn't mean Alonso will jump at any opportunity, and the Chelsea job is not at its most attractive currently. The Blues have torn through managers in recent years, and it's clear that a number of the head coaches have not liked the current setup, which allows the board almost total control over recruitment.
If he holds on, Alonso could get another top job, and he may even be in line for the Liverpool job whenever Arne Slot departs Anfield.
That means chelsea are going to have to make some compromises if they do decide they want to pursue Alonso, and there is already talk of the Spaniard making demands.
According to Simon Phillips, Alonso is 'open' to becoming the next Chelsea boss, but he has said he wants 'a bit more control' than what has been afforded to previous managers. That should come as no surprise given the way Enzo Maresca left the club.
Maresca largely went along with Chelsea's model, but he fell out with the club when he demanded a new, polished centre-back to replace the injured Levi Colwill. The relationship soured after Chelsea refused that request, and a partnership that appeared to be working for the most part, was torn apart.
Liam Rosenior came in to replace Maresca, and that ordeal lasted less than four months.
Chelsea must be careful with their next appointment, but ironically, they are now almost certainly going to have to give up control if they are to appoint a top manager, and they could have saved time, money and effort aplenty had they simply done that with Maresca.
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