Chelsea Have Zero Contact With Former Barcelona Manager: Fabrizio Romano

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea have not talked to former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez about their open head coach position. After firing Liam Rosenior, the Blues are looking for a new coach to lead their summer rebuild. Meanwhile, Calum McFarlane is currently in charge as interim until the end of the season.

Several recent reports have mentioned the 46-year-old Spaniard as a possible candidate for Stamford Bridge. Xavi’s camp has also reportedly insisted that a formative approach had been taken. Romano, on the other hand, has dismissed those rumours and painted a very different picture of how the BlueCo hierarchy hires people:

“There is nothing ongoing between Chelsea and Xavi Hernandez. That’s my understanding as of today.

“If tomorrow morning they decide to meet. I will let you know. But as of today, beginning of May, zero contacts between Xavi and Chelsea.

“Chelsea continued their process to find a new manager. The feeling at the club is that they are still at early stages, talking to candidates, representatives of candidates, and preparing the final list. But still nothing advanced, still nothing decided.”

Since leaving Camp Nou in 2024, Xavi has been on a break. During his three years as manager, he led the Catalans to a La Liga title and a Supercopa de Espana.

Chelsea’s Managerial Search Drags on Amid Dismal Domestic Campaign

Chelsea are now looking for their fifth permanent boss since BlueCo took over in 2022. They have lost their sixth straight Premier League game on Monday night, this time to Nottingham Forest. The Blues are now in ninth place, just ahead of a tough trip to Anfield, where they face Liverpool on Saturday.

Meanwhile, former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, and Fulham’s Marco Silva are also on the West Londoners’ radar and are being seriously considered. Alonso, who hasn’t had a club since he was fired from Real Madrid in January, is said to be the front-runner. However, talks have reportedly been complicated by his demand for greater control over the club’s football decisions.

The Blues don’t need to rush to make an appointment, as McFarlane will be in charge for the rest of the season, and the FA Cup final against Manchester City is coming up. However, it is expected that a permanent manager will be in place before the start of the pre-season, giving Chelsea plenty of time to plan their summer rebuild.