Xavi has told Chelsea all they need to know after Enzo Maresca departure – 'I'd love to'

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Xavi has already admitted his desire to work in the Premier League as Enzo Maresca 's time at Chelsea has come to an end. The Italian boss parted ways with the Premier League giants on New Year's Day after less than two years at the club.

Currently on a run of just one win in their last seven games, the tension has been bubbling at the Bridge for weeks, with the team facing boos after full-time in their 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday.

It was after Chelsea's 2-0 win over Everton last month that the 45-year-old appeared to hint that something was up in west London. He said: "Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because many people didn't support us."

When asked to clarify his comments, Maresca once again stated: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn’t support me and the team." With the Blues now on the hunt for a new manager, one coach currently unattached is the Barcelona icon, Xavi.

Having yet to take a job since leaving the Camp Nou in May 2024, the iconic midfielder admitted that venturing into the Premier League is an opportunity he'd jump at the chance at. "Of course? Where, I don't know," the Spaniard told The Athletic when asked about his return to management earlier this year.

'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.

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"Or a national team, that would appeal. When I dreamed about being a coach, I dreamed about being in a World Cup or European Championship." It remains to be seen whether a new head coach will be in place for Chelsea's clash against Manchester City on Sunday.

While Xavi is currently a free agent and among the top five favourites to replace Maresca, it appears Liam Rosenior is the frontrunner for the job. Rosenior is head coach of Strasbourg, who are owned by Chelsea's parent company, and is now seen as the likeliest successor.

In the statement announcing Maresca's departure, it read: "Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company. During his time at the Club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

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"Those achievements will remain an important part of the Club’s recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the Club. With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track. We wish Enzo well for the future."

Whoever takes over at Stamford Bridge will be presented with a club that remains in all four competitions but one in need of a jumpstart to a season that has stalled in recent weeks.