When it comes to potential managerial targets for Chelsea, one name that does not come up as often is that of Xavi Hernandez. He has been out of management since being shown the exit door by FC Barcelona. Some felt that he deserved more time at Camp Nou, having taken charge at a difficult time and made them successful again.
Xavi won the La Liga title with Barcelona while working under financial constraints. He played an integral part in developing players like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi and several others.
Someone like Xavi might be a good fit for this Chelsea team. Firstly, he would immediately get the respect of the players, thanks to his status as one of the greatest in the history of the game. Secondly, his possession-based playing style might be a lot better suited to the squad than the high-intensity football of someone like Andoni Iraola.
Would Xavi be open to the Chelsea job? We do not know. But an interview from last year does suggest that he rated the project highly at that point in time.
Xavi’s past comments could hand boost to Chelsea
Xavi spoke in an interview with The Athletic last year. And when asked about a potential return to football, he said:
“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.
“Look what has happened to Ancelotti and people criticising him. It’s not fair. He won 30 trophies in 10 years and he’s criticised like he’s not won anything. Valverde said it perfectly when he said: ‘If Ancelotti is criticised, what hope is there for the rest of us?’.
“But the pressure in Spain is difficult, especially at Barca and Madrid.
“Chelsea with Maresca. Good project. 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.”
Of course, one has to wonder if his thoughts on the BlueCo project have changed since then. Maresca was shown the exit door just six months after winning the Club World Cup. But then, recent reports have emerged suggesting that it was more a case of the Italian choosing to walk away than the club sacking him.
Would Xavi be a good fit?
I do feel Xavi could be a good fit. He is someone who learned a lot working with Pep Guardiola. And we all know how well that style has worked in the Premier League in recent years. Manchester City have dominated English football.
So, why not go for Xavi? To be honest, he feels like a safer choice than plenty other managers that have been linked with the club over the past 48 hours.
Xavi is a proven winner from his days on the pitch. He won everything under the sun with Barcelona and the Spanish national team. But his record as a manager should not be overlooked either. He won a couple of trophies while managing under difficult circumstances at Barca, including a league title. The Spaniard also won seven titles with Al Sadd before that.
