- Chelsea Football Club is currently undergoing a period of self-reflection as they seek a new manager, and aim to have a replacement in place before pre-season following a generally disappointing season.
- The club is prioritising a coach who aligns with their established footballing philosophy, which has been instilled across all age groups from the academy upwards.
- Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, who departed the Catalan giants in 2024 after a three-year tenure that included a league title, having previously starred as a player at the Nou Camp, is a prominent candidate under consideration due to his perceived fit with Chelsea's desired approach.
- It is believed that Xavi has learned from his previous role and is now seeking a new "project" that offers more scope than typically found in Spanish football.
- Other potential candidates for the managerial position include Xabi Alonso, Porto's Franceso Farioli, Cesc Fabregas and Andoni Iraola, though the latter is seen as of a separate school to the other contenders.
IN FULL
