Rio Ferdinand surprised by Alonso’s Chelsea move despite Liverpool links

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has expressed surprise at Chelsea’s decision to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva were also considered, before Chelsea opted for the former Liverpool midfielder.

Alonso established himself as one of the leading tacticians in Europe at Bayer Leverkusen, guiding them to their first-ever Bundesliga title.

He joined Real Madrid last summer, but left by mutual consent in January after a run of poor results.

Ferdinand reacts to Alonso’s appointment

Ferdinand is surprised that Alonso has chosen to join Chelsea, saying he expected him to wait for an opportunity at Liverpool.

The Spaniard had been touted as one of the managers who could replace manager Arne Slot, following his struggles at Liverpool this season.

“I’m actually surprised he’s gone there,” Ferdinand said on Rio Ferdinand presents.

“I’m not saying he’s the wrong choice. I thought he would have been patient enough to wait and see how the Arne Slot situation at Liverpool would play out.”

Ferdinand suggested that Chelsea made a significant financial offer to Alonso, which could have persuaded him to join the club.

“But Chelsea have acted quickly – they’ve probably put something in front of him with some big numbers as well that has turned his head, and he’s just thought, ‘I’m going to go for it!’,” he added.

He concluded that Alonso could be a good fit for the Blues because he ‘knows how to put a team together’.

Chelsea will reportedly allow Alonso to be involved in recruitment decisions, a privilege not afforded to former managers.

This represents a change in direction by the club, who have given managers little or no say in the club’s recruitment.

This problem was prevalent under Enzo Maresca, who felt that the club were telling him who to pick based on a player’s value. His criticism led to his eventual dismissal.

Chelsea will hope the new approach brings stability and success under Alonso.