Chelsea add former Barcelona boss Xavi to list of managerial candidates

Chelsea add former Barcelona boss Xavi to list of managerial candidates

Stamford Bridge is once again a site of transition as Chelsea seek a permanent successor to Liam Rosenior, whose brief tenure ended after a string of disappointing results.

Calum McFarlane has been handed the reins for the remainder of the current season as the Blues continue their search for a new manager.

Among the high-profile names emerging in the recruitment process, former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has become a candidate to lead the West London club into its next era.

Since BlueCo consortium’s takeover, the Blues have prioritised a possession-based, high-energy coaching philosophy. Xavi, a disciple of the “Tiki-Taka” approach, fits this mould perfectly.

At Barcelona, he led the team to a La Liga title in 2022/23 and a Supercopa de Espana.

Chelsea’s managerial carousel has seen Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior depart in quick succession during the 2025/26 campaign.

The club currently finds itself adrift of the Champions League places and in desperate need of a long-term project leader.

Xavi, who has been on hiatus since leaving Catalonia in 2024, is keen for a challenge in the Premier League.

“There’s no hurry for me, but I’d like a good project,” Xavi told The Athletic.