Xavi’s Premier League ambition has suddenly taken on fresh relevance — just as Chelsea hit the reset button again.
Enzo Maresca’s time at Stamford Bridge is over after less than two years in charge, with the Italian parting ways with the club on New Year’s Day following a breakdown in relations. The decision comes after a dismal run of just one win in seven Premier League games and weeks of mounting tension inside the club.
The cracks had been impossible to ignore. Chelsea were booed off the pitch after a chaotic 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday, while Maresca’s own words last month hinted at deeper problems behind the scenes.
Following a 2-0 win over Everton in December, the 45-year-old delivered a cryptic assessment of his situation.
“Since
I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because many people didn’t support us,” he said.
Pressed to clarify, Maresca doubled down: “Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn’t support me and the team.”
Now, with Chelsea once again searching for a new head coach, attention has turned to a familiar name — Barcelona legend Xavi.
Currently unattached after leaving Camp Nou in May 2024, the former midfielder has already admitted his desire to manage in England. Speaking to The Athletic earlier this year, Xavi made his stance clear when asked about a return to coaching.
“Of course — where, I don’t know,” he said. “There’s no hurry for me, but I’d like a good project. Four years to work and build something. 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 also revealed international management remains an ambition, admitting he dreams of leading a team at a World Cup or European Championship.
Despite his availability — and being among the bookmakers’ top five candidates — Xavi is not currently the frontrunner. That tag belongs to Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior, whose club is owned by Chelsea’s parent company and who has impressed key decision-makers in west London.
Whether Chelsea move quickly remains to be seen, with uncertainty surrounding who will be in the dugout for Sunday’s trip to Manchester City.
