A Football Manager 27 simulation of Chelsea’s 2026/27 campaign has produced a fascinating outcome for Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard experienced an eventful debut season that could have ended very differently.

Alonso arrived at Stamford Bridge with high expectations, but his side struggled for consistency throughout the campaign. Despite some impressive individual performances and memorable victories, the former Real Madrid manager came within one defeat of losing his job.

Football Manager 27 simulation reveals how Xabi Alonso narrowly saved his Chelsea job

Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League with 50 points, winning 12 games, drawing 14 and losing 12. They scored just 48 goals and conceded 47, finishing with a +1 goal difference. Xabi Alonso’s side were 14 points behind fourth-placed Brighton, while Arsenal won the title with an impressive 93 points.

Highlights included a 3-1 victory over Liverpool in December and another 3-1 win against Arsenal in March, with Morgan Rogers, Emmanuel Emegha and Cole Palmer on the scoresheet. However, Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for Europe through the league faded during a disappointing run-in, as they collected just four points from their final five matches.

With his job hanging in the balance, Alonso ultimately saved himself by winning the FA Cup. Chelsea beat Bolton, Manchester United, Frank Lampard’s Coventry City, Wolves and Watford to reach the final against Brentford.

After a 2-2 draw, in which Emegha’s second-half brace helped turn the game around, the Blues prevailed 8-7 on penalties. Moises Caicedo was the only Chelsea player to miss, while Levi Colwill scored the decisive spot-kick. The trophy secured Europa League qualification and seemingly saved Alonso’s position.

Joao Pedro was Chelsea’s top scorer with 16 goals in all competitions, while Palmer contributed 14 goals and 10 assists. Danny Welbeck surprisingly managed eight goals, while Emegha scored just five despite his crucial contribution at Wembley.

There were also some unexpected developments, with Anselmino making 33 appearances and Kendry Paez breaking into the first team, starting nine games. Estevao started only eight times, while Malo Gusto, Pep Chavarria and Pedro Neto also struggled for minutes. Romeo Lavia was a key player until a hamstring injury in May ended his season.

Chelsea made no first-team signings or sales in January, leaving Alonso to work with the same group he started the season with.