Following Enzo Maresca’s New Year’s Day departure, Barcelona icon Xavi has emerged as a key candidate for the Chelsea job, having previously stated his desire to manage a long-term project in the Premier League.
Chelsea Football Club officially terminated Enzo Maresca’s contract on New Year’s Day following a breakdown in relations and a poor run of results.
The Italian departed after a stretch of just one win in seven games, marked by audible frustration from fans at Stamford Bridge.
Reflecting on his final weeks, Maresca noted, “Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours… because many people didn’t support us.”
With the managerial seat vacant, Barcelona legend Xavi has been tipped as a potential successor.
The Spaniard, who has been out of work since May 2024, previously expressed a strong interest in the English game.
Speaking on the prospect of a move, Xavi admitted, “I’d love to work in the Premier League because I love the passion there. In Spain, it’s too much about the result.” He emphasized his desire for a stable “four-year project.”
While Xavi remains a popular choice among bookmakers, Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior is currently viewed as the frontrunner due to the ownership’s existing ties.
Chelsea’s statement thanked Maresca for his Club World Cup and Conference League titles but insisted a change was necessary to secure Champions League qualification.
The board aims to act quickly, as the team remains active in four competitions and faces a daunting trip to Manchester City this coming Sunday.