Xavi has said he’s open to managing Chelsea with Barcelona icon now ‘under consideration’
Chelsea are searching for a new permanent head coach following the sacking of Liam Rosenior last month, with Barcelona legend Xavi among the potential candidates
Xavi has previously spoken about Chelsea(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Xavi has previously shared his desire to manage Chelsea as the Blues seek a successor to Liam Rosenior.
The Englishman was sacked by the club last month following a dip in form, just three months into a remarkable six-and-a-half year contract. With Calum McFarlane stepping in as interim head coach until the end of the season, the club are actively searching for a permanent manager ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Several high-profile names have been linked with the role, among them Xabi Alonso – who has been without a club since leaving Real Madrid in January – and Andoni Iraola, who is set to depart Bournemouth later this month.
Cesc Fabregas has also been touted for a high-profile return to to west London following an impressive stint at Como, while Frank Lampard is another contender after steering Coventry to the Championship title and top-flight promotion.
Yet it is Barcelona icon Xavi who has handed Chelsea a significant boost, having previously shared an interest in taking the reins of the club.
Speaking back in 2019, ahead of his appointment with the La Liga giants, the 46-year-old said: “I don’t hide it, my goal is to return to Europe and return to Barca, it is my challenge ahead, but I’m still learning in this project and I’m also enjoying it.
“My idea, which also happened to me as a footballer, is to be in Barcelona. Training this type of team would be a privilege and the greatest privilege for me would be to return to Barca.”
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He added: “That is my goal, but obviously, who doesn’t like the Premier League? The football atmosphere, the packed stadiums and the people who play in the Premier League say it’s extraordinary.
“Obviously if I had to choose, I would choose a big team, (Manchester) City or United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham. Also, (Jurgen) Klopp and (Mauricio) Pochettino and Unai Emery, many people who have gone there are doing an extraordinary job.”
Xavi eventually returned to his boyhood club in 2021 as manager following Ronald Koeman’s exit, leading them to a La Liga title and a Supercopa de Espana before being succeeded by Hansi Flick in 2024. He has remained without a club since then.
However, it now seems that Chelsea are contemplating the Spaniard as their next managerial appointment. A report from the I indicates that the club are keen to recruit a manager who shares the same philosophy as Enzo Maresca in embedding an identity that permeates throughout their age groups.
The club do, though, face considerable competition should they wish to bring Xavi to Stamford Bridge. Beyond the Moroccan national side reportedly viewing him as a prime candidate to replace Walid Regragui, Manchester United have also been associated with the former midfielder, as they explore alternatives beyond Michael Carrick.
This comes as Alonso emerges as the bookmakers’ front-runner to take charge at Chelsea, though the Spaniard would reportedly demand “a bit more control” of the club should he make the move to west London, according to those close to the situation.
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