Chelsea Eyes Xavi Hernández as Potential Head Coach
London club Chelsea is considering Spanish tactician Xavi Hernández for their open head coach position. The former Barcelona boss has emerged as a candidate after the Blues dismissed two managers during the 2025/26 season. Xavi has been out of work since leaving Barcelona in the summer of 2024.
Xavi Hernández's Career Path
Now 46 years old and born in Terrassa, Xavi brings extensive experience both as a coach and as a player. He joined Barcelona's youth system at age 11 and made his first-team debut in the 1998/99 season. Over 16 years with the club, he collected:
- eight Spanish league titles,
- three Copa del Rey trophies,
- six Spanish Super Cups.
He also won the UEFA Champions League four times, the FIFA Club World Cup twice, and the UEFA Super Cup twice. After retiring as a player, he took charge of Qatari side Al Sadd, leading them to a league championship.
In November 2021, Xavi returned to Barcelona, guiding the team to the La Liga title in 2022/23 and winning the Spanish Super Cup. However, he left the club in summer 2024 after a trophyless campaign. Chelsea currently sits ninth in the Premier League with 48 points from the 2025/26 season and has reached the FA Cup final. The club is still competing in the league.
Chelsea's leadership is also evaluating other candidates for the managerial role, including:
- Xabi Alonso,
- Cesc Fàbregas,
- Francesco Farioli.
Since firing two head coaches—Enzo Maresca in January and Liam Rosenior in April—the club has been searching for a new leader to turn around its performance.
Given his track record of success and experience, Xavi Hernández stands a strong chance of becoming Chelsea's next manager, though competition for the role is intensifying.
With the club's future uncertain and a clear need for improved results, appointing a new coach could be a decisive move for Chelsea to meet its goals in the coming seasons.
As Chelsea explores potential managerial candidates, the club is also looking to strengthen its squad. Notably, the return of Cesc Fàbregas has gained traction, following the owner's approval for his transfer. This move could complement the coaching changes and bolster Chelsea's efforts to improve their performance on the pitch.