Chelsea preparing talks to appoint Barcelona legend as manager with new report contradicting Enzo Maresca rumors: Reports
Chelsea are preparing to contact outgoing Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez over a potential appointment this summer, according to a new report. The Blues are reportedly interested in bringing the Spaniard to Stamford Bridge.
The west Londoners agreed to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino by mutual consent after the 2023-24 campaign concluded. Despite a strong sixth-placed finish to the season after spending the majority of it in mid-table, the club decided to search for a new manager instead.
Chelsea were linked with a host of managers after announcing Pochettino's departure. Sky Sports reported over the weekend that Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank, Enzo Maresca, and Kieran McKenna were included in the final shortlist drawn up by the club.
Maresca then emerged as the leading candidate to take the job. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Italian has informed Leicester City of his intention to move to west London and that an agreement has been sealed with Chelsea.
Meanwhile, it was announced last week that Barcelona decided to sack Xavi, despite convincing him to stay after he announced his decision to leave the club in January.
According to Fichajes, the Blues are getting ready to hold talks with the Spanish manager's camp and discuss a potential appointment (via The Hard Tackle). This contradicts multiple reports in England suggesting that Maresca is set to be appointed soon.
Xavi was appointed at Camp Nou in November 2021. He won the La Liga and the Supercopa de Espana during his first full season in charge of Barcelona in the 2022-23 campaign.
"Now we’re looking at a circus act" - Rio Ferdinand slams Chelsea for decision to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has lambasted Chelsea's hierarchy for deciding to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino despite the stability he brought to the club towards the end of the season.
The Englishman admitted that the announcement of the Argentine's departure came as a surprise to many, including himself. He said on his YouTube podcast Vibe with Five (via The Mirror):
"This has come as an absolute surprise to many. I said a few days ago that I thought he could go, but I didn’t think it would happen this quickly. Under the circumstances, I think Mauricio and his team have done a good job. They were a laughing stock at times in the season but he brought it together."
He added:
"I thought it would be a process where he tries to stabilise this season – which he has – and then brings in some experience and they could have a chance next season. They might not be that far away if he gets the right pieces in the summer. But then he gets the sack and now we’re looking at a circus act."
Chelsea secured European football after finishing sixth in the Premier League table. The Blues recorded 18 wins, nine draws, and 11 losses under Pochettino this term.