By agreeing to be Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso is putting his career on the line at chaotic Premier League club

Xabi Alonso is set to become Chelsea's new manager, a move described as a significant career risk for the Spaniard. Having been regarded as one of football's top managerial prospects last summer, Alonso's reputation took a hit following an unsuccessful stint in Madrid. Analysts suggest the Chelsea job, given the club's well-documented instability, offers relatively little reward for the considerable professional risk involved.