Two elite managers told Chelsea they were available before Xabi Alonso appointment

From the source

Source excerpt · The Chelsea Chronicle ↗

Xabi Alonso was Chelsea’s top target to replace Liam Rosenior, and they managed to get their man in the end. Before Alonso’s appointment, Chelsea were strongly linked with Andoni Iraola.

However, they opted for Alonso while Iraola remained at Bournemouth before moving to Liverpool. Alonso and Iraola were not the only options for Chelsea, though.

It has just emerged that two elite coaches who used to manage the Blues were also available. Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte made themselves available to Chelsea before the appointment of Alonso.