Chelsea are considering Xavi Hernandez as their next manager, as they look to maintain a coaching philosophy established under the current ownership. The former Barcelona boss has been out of work since leaving the Catalan club in 2024.
Self-Reflection After Disappointing Season
The London club are undergoing what has been described as a 'period of self-reflection' following the failed appointment of Liam Rosenior and a generally disappointing season outside the FA Cup. Chelsea want to have everything in place for pre-season and are evaluating their options.
The club believe they have made significant progress in instilling a football identity that is now visible throughout the academy. Enzo Maresca's teams exemplified this approach, and Chelsea want to continue with a coach of similar principles.
Xavi Among Several Candidates
Xavi has emerged as a candidate alongside Xabi Alonso, Porto's Francesco Farioli, and Cesc Fabregas. However, Fabregas is not expected to leave Como this summer. Andoni Iraola is also admired but is seen as representing a different school of thought, and Chelsea would need to consider a deviation from their approach if they pursued him.
Xavi has been out of work since leaving Barcelona in 2024, where he won one league title in three years. Despite the mixed end to his tenure, there is a belief that Xavi has learned from the experience and that some issues stemmed from his emotional attachment to his boyhood club. The Catalan now wants a 'project' that offers more space than Spanish football typically allows.
