Ex-Barcelona boss Xavi courted by Chelsea for managerial role

Ex-Barcelona boss Xavi courted by Chelsea for managerial role

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

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 the BlueCo consortium’s takeover, Chelsea 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.

“Like, ‘You have four years to work and make a project.’ I’d love to work in the Premier League because I love the passion there.

“In Spain, it’s too much about the result.”

Xavi is one of several coaches in contention for the Chelsea job, with fellow Spaniards Xabi Alonso, , and also believed to be options, alongside Marco Silva.