“I would...” — Xavi Breaks Silence on Chelsea Link as Blues Begin New Manager Hunt After Rosenior Exit

Chelsea’s managerial search has quickly gathered pace following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior, with former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández emerging as one of the names being discussed for the vacancy at Stamford Bridge.

The change came after Rosenior was relieved of his duties on Wednesday, just days after a heavy run of results that left Chelsea in a difficult league position. His appointment in January had been seen as a long-term project, but results quickly turned after an early positive spell.

Rosenior had been handed a six-year contract when he arrived on 6 January. Despite that backing, a sequence of five consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring ultimately ended his time in charge. The club’s recent form has been described internally as their worst winless and goalless run since 1912, marking a significant drop in performance levels.

The decision followed a 3-0 defeat to Brighton, which added further pressure on the club’s leadership structure. Chelsea confirmed the departure in a statement that thanked Rosenior for his professionalism and conduct during his time at the club, while also acknowledging that recent performances had fallen short of expectations.

Attention has now shifted to potential replacements, with Xavi’s name gaining traction among those being monitored. The former Barcelona midfielder has been without a managerial role since leaving his previous position in 2024, but has made clear he remains open to a return to coaching.

Speaking in an interview with The Athletic in 2025, Xavi explained his preference for a structured long-term project. He said: “Of course? Where, I don’t know. There’s no hurry for me, but I’d like a good project. 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.”

Those comments have resurfaced following Chelsea’s latest managerial change, particularly his openness to working in English football. The Premier League’s competitive environment and long-term planning approach were highlighted by Xavi as attractive elements when considering his next step.

He also referenced Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as an example of patience in coaching projects. Xavi pointed to Arteta’s extended spell at Arsenal, noting how stability had contributed to progress over time. He said: “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.”

Chelsea’s recent managerial turnover has been frequent, with four permanent managers appointed since 2023. The club’s league position has also slipped, sitting eighth after recent results, adding pressure on decision-makers as they prepare for another appointment.

An interim solution has already been put in place, with Calum McFarlane taking temporary control of the first team. His immediate task includes preparing the squad for an FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United, alongside remaining league fixtures. McFarlane previously held a short spell in charge earlier in the season, giving him familiarity with the group.

The club’s official statement outlined the direction moving forward, stating that the ownership group intends to conduct a process of reflection before making a permanent appointment. It also confirmed that European qualification and FA Cup progress remain objectives for the remainder of the campaign.

Alongside Xavi, several other managers have been mentioned in connection with the role. Among them are former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, and Fulham manager Marco Silva. Each is understood to be under consideration at different levels within the club’s recruitment process.

Xavi’s availability and expressed interest in English football place him firmly within the wider conversation, particularly given Chelsea’s stated preference for a manager capable of overseeing a structured rebuild. His previous experience at Barcelona, where he both played and managed, has added to his profile in elite-level discussions.

Chelsea’s current focus remains on stabilising results under interim leadership while the search for a permanent head coach continues. The next appointment is expected to be shaped by both short-term expectations and longer-term planning within the club’s evolving structure.