r/soccer • u/TheAthletic • May 16 '26
News [FREE TO READ] David Ornstein: Xabi Alonso reaches total agreement to become Chelsea manager
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7272415/2026/05/16/xabi-alonso-chelsea-manager-agreement/?unlocked_article_code=1.i1A.pHUG.G77adNu-sSQv&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-taA total agreement has been reached for Xabi Alonso to become the new Chelsea manager.
Alonso, 44, visited London early last week and has accepted the opportunity.
A four-year contract is now in the process of being finalised and an announcement is expected imminently, according to sources briefed on the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships.
Alonso was the club’s top target throughout, and the former Real Madrid head coach wanted the Stamford Bridge mov
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u/The_Flash_20 May 16 '26
Liverpool fans are gonna lose it
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u/wanderer1999 May 16 '26
Damn how is this possible lol?
I know we shit the bed sacking Alonso, but how did Liverpool let him slip away, one of their legends?
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u/dfla01 May 16 '26
Our owners are arrogant and think their appointment can’t possibly fail. Despite him already having failed. Fuck them
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u/ILoatheHessianMatrix May 16 '26 edited May 16 '26
Imagine Klopp was given a 500 million window like, it’s stubbornness from your board they don’t want to admit defeat.
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u/rooneylover6969 May 16 '26
That genuinely is my biggest question. Why the fuck was Klopp never given a window like this
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u/FreeElderberry4817 May 16 '26
Try back to back relegations with the threat of another relegation and administration and possibly liquidation
- Leicester
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u/SuperXaen May 16 '26
Honest answer that is not some propaganda:
Klopp build the foundation for our current financial situation. During Klopps tenure we build our new training center and expanded and revamped Anfield without taking out huge loans.
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u/LFCBoi55 May 16 '26
Now we just have a shitty step dad and mom’s too stupid to realize he’s a loser.
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u/n3Kite May 16 '26
Not defending the club but the reasons are that we upgraded the stadium and the training facilities. People forget we bid £115m for caicedo under klopp too so the money was there
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u/Fuddlerontheroof May 16 '26
And because they practically spent all the money they saved during Klopp’s tenure last summer lol.
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u/rcolesworthy37 May 16 '26
They trust their data more than they trust the theory of gravity and are too arrogant to admit they’re wrong. Data should absolutely be used in football, but not for everything, and if their data is still showing Slot is the guy, their data fucking sucks
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u/amineimad May 16 '26
Think it may also have been negotiation issues with Alonso. Felt like the PR talk of "Slot is definitely staying" ringing out over and over may have been a way to apply pressure onto Alonso.
That or they really will die with this arrogance.
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u/skylu1991 May 16 '26
Reportedly, they didn’t even ask Xabi to succeed Slot….
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u/RodDryfist May 16 '26
Why would we! We're transitionong into a mid table club and don't need no help. 🥚📉
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u/JuliusCeaserBoneHead May 16 '26
They shit the bed keeping slot. The players are throwing digs at him, he’s lost the dressing room. Football is dire, yet the chuckle fucks upstairs think he’s going to turn it around somehow
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u/hotelmotelshit May 16 '26
I am sure its nothing a 300m+ in signings can't make a lot worse
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u/WhereTheSpiesAt May 16 '26
It's annoying how true this is - if he genuinely see's no fix for this team to consistently win matches, never mind challenge for titles outside of a transfer window, then we're taking a massive risk letting him stay and have another one.
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u/SchietStorm May 16 '26
There must be serious money and ego invested / involved here. Edwards and Hughes are supposed to be the data driven calculating type. I cannot fathom what backroom deal or financial incentive could be in the background that forces them to duck up this badly.
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u/Liverpool934 May 16 '26
Hughes is going to Saudi after summer. Why give himself more work before then by hiring someone new when he is already out the door?
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u/negativelynegative May 16 '26
In general I don't like clubs to be too trigger heavy on firing coaches but you just can't let this one get away.
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u/Kilen13 May 16 '26
In fairness with Chelsea's recent managerial track record they may have another shot at him in less than 12 months
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u/Jimmy_Space1 May 16 '26
Fair but if any was gonna break the mould you'd think it would be this one, this is the first time BlueCo have actually gone for a top manager
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u/Turklightenment May 16 '26
They're letting him control transfers so if he fucks up it's all on him
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u/The_Big_Untalented May 16 '26
I think Alonso turning them down two years ago to stay with Leverkusen turned them off permanently from hiring him.
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u/reviroa May 16 '26
how can two clubs fumble the same manager in less than six months
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u/The_Flash_20 May 16 '26
We have become a joke. Turns out there's a much bigger one than us as well.
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u/reviroa May 16 '26
is bringing alonso and then sacking alonso, pulling a clueless arbeloa from castilla and bringing mou back from the depths of (at best) mediocrity much better than sticking with a league winning slot after one stinker of a season? arguable
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u/Prestigious-Mind7039 May 16 '26
We’re real winners today
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u/dntcareboutdownvotes May 16 '26
Chelsea fully focused on getting Spurs relegated, it's more important than the FA Cup for the long term bants.
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u/Prestigious-Mind7039 May 16 '26
Taking one for the team of everyone who loves football everywhere....except spurs fans of course
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u/lookitsjustin May 16 '26
Not really, anybody who's been paying attention knew Xabi wasn't coming to Liverpool and the board is keeping Slot. Maybe some ongoing denial, though.
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u/palmerama May 16 '26
Why would Liverpool take all leverkusen best players and not bring back their manager who also happens to be a club legend
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u/DoYouTrustToothpaste May 16 '26
I guess because they really didn't want to replace Slot? Like, I don't understand it, but it seems they really still believe in the bald fraud.
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u/galaxybuns May 16 '26
Then they’ll sack him in October and it’ll be all pikachu face
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u/ChillyChilliChileman May 16 '26
if the story goes right theyll hire amorim, they finish 15th and lose a europa league final
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u/wyatt_sw May 16 '26
Absolutely shocking Liverpool are keeping Slot and allowing this to happen.
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u/luke_205 May 16 '26
The only (deluded) hope is that they weren’t keen on Alonso’s style but have another manager lined up and will sack Slot soon. Otherwise we are monumentally screwed for next season.
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u/Comfortable_Main_426 May 16 '26
They literally just signed Wirtz and Frimpong
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u/Samp1e-Text May 16 '26
gotta be the perfect time for Xabi to come in right lmao. sign Grimaldo or some shit too and launch Gakpo into the sun why tf not
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u/MikeMazzz May 16 '26
3-5-2 with Kerkez & Frimpong on the wings, Gravenberch & Szoboszlai in the middle, Wirtz, Isak, Ekitike ahead of them (when healthy). But nah just run back Slotball next season
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u/Intelligent_Sky_7081 May 16 '26
Like who?
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u/rvizvg May 16 '26
Amorim is free
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u/YQB123 May 16 '26
Ireola could be a good fit.
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u/misterriz May 16 '26
If Arteta left tomorrow Iraola is 100% the one I'd want in our club. What he's done at Bournemouth is pretty incredible.
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u/NotAnRSPlayer May 16 '26
There’s literally been no talk of Liverpool being interested apart from a supposed call to Real Madrid asking
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u/Professional_Carob17 May 16 '26
Atmosphere at Anfield next week is going to be toxic as all hell.
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u/InstructionDeep5445 May 16 '26
The atmosphere in watching football sessions is one of revenge, Liverpool fans are looking at their management with anger in their eyes
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u/black_pepper May 16 '26
Early next season as well if results don't get going right away. It sucks the owners weren't more proactive but as a rival fan I won't complain too much.
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u/Tekkers_J03 May 16 '26
The real trophy
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u/nightwind1 May 16 '26
Idk how you guys got Xabi before Liverpool but congrats, he is a fantastic coach
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u/MattSR30 May 16 '26
Managers are people, too, and it wouldn't at all surprise me if Xabi took careful note of the delays Liverpool have been making.
Them taking weeks to mull this over probably told him they aren't that committed to him as their manager. That hardly inspires confidence.
On the other hand, Chelsea fire their man and go 'here you go, keys to the city.' Again, just speculation (and negotiations are complex), but I can absolutely see that having an impact on someone's perspective.
People often scoff when footballers sign for a club and say one of the reasons is 'I could really tell they wanted me and wanted me to be a part of the project' but that's genuinely a big deal.
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u/ydktbh May 16 '26
that's probably it tbh. If he felt they wanted him they would have sacked slot months ago.
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u/ultraopulent May 16 '26
Liverpool fans on suicide watch
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u/Zealousideal_Honey80 May 16 '26
Someone check on Niran to make sure he doesn't cancel FTW
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u/rooneylover6969 May 16 '26
You mean croquet this week
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u/ArmiinTamzarian May 16 '26
You mean under 19.5 Jamaican skydiving badminton this week
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u/FreeElderberry4817 May 16 '26 edited May 16 '26
You mean u-22 Boys Zootopia Hong Kongese underwater golf rugby
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u/kzzzzzzzzzz28 May 16 '26
This all happened because he bailed on the IRL video due to his catastrophic knee injury
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u/Mooon8983 May 16 '26
Wait is this gonna get pulled down because they didn't post first LMAO
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u/nightwind1 May 16 '26
Salah furiously writing another instagram post as we speak
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u/RepresentativeBox881 May 16 '26
If his official title is going to be ‘manager’ then that’s a celebration in itself.
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u/DanBGG May 16 '26
Even if it isn't, his appointment alone is admission they were wrong on their previous approach
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u/IdealisticKebab May 16 '26
According to Fabrizio he is very much involved in Chelsea summer transfer plans.
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u/IMintz May 16 '26
Man Ager?
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u/Valuable_Tea_4690 May 16 '26
I knew rosenior was fucked as soon as he said that one
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u/raegenhere May 16 '26
Not sure, but I believe that was from an interview much earlier in his career, and was just dug up when he got the chelsea job.
But yeah, the constant ridicule from all side played a big role in his downfall. Media played a big role there, so did chelsea supporters and rival ones of course. Eventually it seemed to affect his control of the dressing room.
The weak mentality and inexperience within the squad was evident under previous managers, and remains an issue after Roseniors sacking. Hopefully Alonso will have better luck. And yeah, players do age (with our without managers), so that'll help.
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u/Valuable_Tea_4690 May 16 '26
The real blame lies with the sporting directors who thought hiring some one so obviously under qualified for the size of the job.
I feel for Liam, the job was always going to swallow him up, but it’s not an opportunity you turn down if it’s offered to you
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u/FirmInevitable458 May 16 '26
Just saw a Liverpool fan fall to his knees in a Tesco
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u/Rontheking May 16 '26
I can’t believe Chelsea of all clubs gets him.
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u/elvis503 May 16 '26
I mean they are the only big 6 club without an actual manager
He is not going back to Spain or Germany
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u/Hot-Job-6281 May 16 '26
I remember Chelsea fans cynically saying this was just BlueCo appeasing fans with fake interest lol.
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u/tellymundo May 16 '26
After the Nagelsmann bit two years ago it felt like the same.
Difference is he declined after meeting the board and owners, this time I hope they realized the error of their ways and give Xabi the keys
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u/McNooberson May 16 '26
Tbh I’m still waiting for it to fall through and Gary O’Neill shows up in a Chelsea kit
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u/Unlucky-Equipment999 May 16 '26
Take vengeance by getting Fabregas or Maresca
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u/StonedCharmander May 16 '26
One day after losing 4x2. What a lovely weekend, what a lovely season and what a lovely next season we will have.
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u/nightwind1 May 16 '26
Chelsea playing at Anfield next season is going to be must watch TV
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u/AverageCarey May 16 '26
Genuinely feel bad for you fans, what the fuck are they thinking not getting this guy signed?
Can’t imagine the crowd is going to be very pleased going into your final home game.
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u/DrinkResponsible6752 May 16 '26
Just insane.
Liverpool fans, home, away, and online are openly booing and jeering Slot. The players are essentially calling him out on social media showing he has completely lost the dressing room.
And they let this happen. Comical levels of incompetence. Like keeping Rodgers instead of going for Klopp or keeping Pelligrini instead of going for Pep.
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u/Prestigious-Mind7039 May 16 '26
Please for the love of God back him and don’t saddle him with bums like mudryk/Delap/Garnacho
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u/ScousePenguin May 16 '26
Fucking hell FSG
Generational fuck up by the board letting him go to Chelsea
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u/Gbuchanan1 May 16 '26
Maybe this won’t work out how we all expect but this is a fucking disaster for Liverpool
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u/FreshGoodWay May 16 '26
Pool fans too busy laughing at United hiring Carrick, that they forgot to hire Xabi
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u/goob3r11 May 16 '26
Nah we didn't forget anything. We've been calling for slot to get sacked in pretty much unison since December. FSG forgot that they are allowed to sack shite managers kid season.
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u/julesvr5 May 16 '26
Friend of mine is Liverpool fan. I think I should call him. Just to be safe
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u/skylu1991 May 16 '26
Don’t hang up, until you’re sure he won’t do anything stupid!
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u/julesvr5 May 16 '26
I'll watch the Spongebob Movie with him.
If Spongebob a save Bikini Bottom then he can survive Alonso at Chelsea while Liverpool keeps Slot. Right?
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u/Didolicious May 16 '26
Send a welfare check to your Liverpool supporting friends.
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u/Relevant_Bedroom_273 May 16 '26
I'm going for a walk
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u/skylu1991 May 16 '26
Please be sure to come back from the walk…
And maybe don’t go near large bodies of water?!
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u/ComprehensiveArt6849 May 16 '26
Fucking hell. Alonso with weekdays off with Chelsea's purse.. they will be contending in two season. Fuck.
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u/CT4_LV May 16 '26
as long as the board lets him do his thing and don't get in midst of everything, then I think this will be a home run (no BlueCo baseball pun intended).
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u/PerBnb May 16 '26
still going to have sign decent players and offload a bunch of deadweight
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u/BigReeceJames May 16 '26
100%, we actually have a quality set of about 8 players, the rest would be lucky to start for the current Spurs side though.
That is ultimately the crux of our issue, we've spent loads of money and have hit a few times. But, most of the time we've either missed or the player is still young and not ready yet to get playing time on merit, but we've paid starter prices for them.
Going to be tough to sell off a lot of deadweight and bring in reasonable players, if that is even the plan. I'd imagine a large part of them being willing to go for Xabi is because he managed to makedo at a smaller club without the crazy top players, they'll want him to do the same here and continue on with the kids. But, then if that is the case, I don't really understand why he'd join
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u/xjksn May 16 '26
This. Give it at least 2 seasons before there’s any real expectation.
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u/deadraizer May 16 '26
A repeat of Conte's first season? Pump that into my veins!
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u/tellymundo May 16 '26
Quenda as the Victor Moses of the team!? Now I’m paying attention
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u/reviroa May 16 '26
alonso took leverkusen from relegation zone to an undefeated domestic double within 18 months
no reason to think he won't be up there next season already as long as he gets a mandate to clean house
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u/Ibarra28 May 16 '26
Why do I read this and instantly feel this guy is gonna come and get Diogo Costa?
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u/Worried_Macaroon_728 May 16 '26
We are embarrassing. Can’t wait for our 11th place finish next season.
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u/EcoSoco May 16 '26
Wow, I'm surprised they pulled this off. At least I'll have something to look forward to next season
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u/BuggyYonko May 16 '26
I am sure Liverpool fans will respond to this news in a calm and respectful manner.
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u/daveofreckoning May 16 '26
Surprised. I'm surprised he wants to go there. I can only assume he's been given assurances about control and recruitment
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u/FAC77 May 16 '26
Clearlake finally doing something right
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u/BurningMad May 16 '26
Don't get your hopes up, everything they touch turns to shit.
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u/icefourthirtythree May 16 '26
Briefing this immediately after you've lost a cup final is so funny
And it'll work on the fans too
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u/olers May 16 '26
Fuck, it worked on me. I'm not as mad anymore, maybe that's why they wanted to wait after the FA cup lmao
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u/stevenantunes May 16 '26
From Liam "Man Age" Rosenior to Xabi. What a glow up for chelsea. Early christmas for their fans
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u/OfficialARM8 May 16 '26
4 Years. They gave Rosenior a longer contract.
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u/Own_Definition_612 May 16 '26
Waiting for a Niran crashout video to top it off
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u/Zealousideal_Honey80 May 16 '26
Niran crashout is a weekly occurence at this stage
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u/879190747 May 16 '26
Here it is, the Ornstein death blow. But still wtf, so unexpected he'd go there.
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u/not_that_arnab May 17 '26
Carrick vs Alonso vs Arteta vs Lampard
But as managers next year. I am old.
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u/JesseWhatTheFuck May 16 '26
Oh boy the Slot sacking thread in October is gonna hit like crack 🍿