There have been differing reports over the Chelsea’s potential interest in hiring Barcelona legend Xavi over the last 24 hours, but if Chelsea hire him, one player might perform a u-turn and stay.
Initial reports said that Chelsea were interested in the Barcelona legend and had been in contact with his representatives. Indeed, Xavi is keen on the Chelsea job and his agents insist that Chelsea have called.
But since those reports, it has emerged that Xavi is not seen as a strong contender for the role, with the front-runners still Fulham boss Marco Silva, Bournemouth gaffer Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso.
Who would you sign to replace Marc Cucurella?
He hasn't ruled out a Chelsea exit…
Marc Cucurella discussing his future
There is no doubt, though, that hiring a manager like Xavi would get players on side. He has the aura to get his squad to listen, unlike Liam Rosenior and that counts for a lot in Chelsea’s search for a new boss.
Marc Cucurella will want Chelsea stay if Xavi is hired this summer
During the March international break, Cucurella made it clear he would consider a move to Barcelona if his boyhood side called. It showed a clear disdain towards Chelsea, and he was considering his future.
The left-back has struggled for form of late, coinciding with Chelsea’s struggles. The Spain international is set for a busy summer as it is, likely to be a key part of Spain’s push for the World Cup across the pond.
Marc Cucurella of Chelsea
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
But a move is possible for Chelsea’s £60m left-back. However, if Chelsea hire Xavi, then surely Cucurella remains. In the past, Cucurella has spoken of watching the likes of Xavi while in the La Masia academy.
Clearly, Xavi is a man that he deeply respects and should BlueCo choose the former Al Sadd star as the club’s next manager, they will at least be able to forget about having to sign a replacement for Cucurella.
Xavi’s career win rate as a manager is impressive after 244 games
Following his retirement as a player in 2019 after four years with Al Sadd, Xavi was handed the manager’s role with the Qatari side. He would win the Qatari Stars League title in 2020-21, winning 67 of 102 games.
Xavi’s win rate is impressive – would you take him at Chelsea?
He's won 156 of 244 games.
A win rate of almost 66%, before earning a move to his other former club in Barcelona as manager. Xavi would remain in charge for more than two and a half years, sitting in the Nou Camp dugout 142 times.
Again, Xavi impressed. He won the 2022-23 La Liga title, clocking up 89 wins in 142 games and earning a win rate north of 62.7% during his time as manager. Since then, Xavi has not returned to management.
Clearly, the 133-time Spain international is looking for a route back into management. He has spoken of his desire to manage a big Premier League club in the past and if Chelsea are keen, he will surely join.
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