Xavi, the legendary former Barcelona midfielder and manager, has sent a clear and timely message to Chelsea's hierarchy as the club begins its search for a new head coach following the sacking of Liam Rosenior. The Spanish icon, who has been out of management since 2024, has openly expressed his keen interest in a return to the dugout, specifically highlighting the Premier League as an attractive destination.
Chelsea's Managerial Vacancy Emerges
Liam Rosenior was appointed as Chelsea manager on January 6, 2024, signing a substantial six-year contract with the Blues. However, his tenure proved disastrously short-lived. A dismal run of five consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring a single goal, marking the club's worst period without wins and goals since 1912, led to his dismissal on Wednesday. Chelsea confirmed Rosenior's departure in an official statement, citing that recent results and performances had fallen below the necessary standards, despite there being much still to play for this season.
Xavi's Public Declaration of Interest
In an interview with The Athletic in 2025, Xavi made his ambitions crystal clear. When questioned about a potential return to management, he stated, "Of course? Where, I don’t know. There’s no hurry for me, but I’d like a good project." He elaborated further, saying, "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."
The 46-year-old pointed to Mikel Arteta's long-term project at Arsenal as a prime example of the stability he admires. "Arteta with Arsenal – it’s his sixth year with Arsenal and there were seasons when it was difficult, but his club trusted the process and continued. He’s doing well. That doesn’t happen in Spain," Xavi added, underscoring his desire for a club that offers patience and a strategic vision.
Chelsea's Recent Instability and Current Situation
Chelsea's managerial situation has been notably turbulent, with Rosenior becoming the fourth manager to depart since 2023. The team has slipped to eighth in the Premier League table, and a dismal 3-0 loss to Brighton on Tuesday was the final straw for Rosenior's reign. In the interim, Calum McFarlane will take charge for the upcoming FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United. The club has stated its intention to strive for European qualification and progress in the FA Cup while undertaking a process of self-reflection in the search for a permanent successor.
Other Contenders for the Stamford Bridge Role
While Xavi is a prominent name linked with the vacancy, he is not the only candidate under consideration. Other figures reportedly in the frame include former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, along with managers Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva. The competition for the role highlights the significance of this appointment for a club seeking to regain its footing after a period of underperformance and instability.
Xavi's credentials are formidable; as a player and manager, he won La Liga with Barcelona, and his philosophy aligns with a possession-based, attacking style of football. His public admiration for the Premier League's passion and his call for a long-term project could resonate with Chelsea's ownership, who may be seeking a figure to bring stability and a clear footballing identity back to Stamford Bridge.
