Chelsea could have a great opportunity to land one manager this summer if they decide to replace Mauricio Pochettino.
Mauricio Pochettino signed a two-year contract when he joined Chelsea and will be hoping to enter the second year of it before being handed an extension.
However, the 52-year-old looks to be at risk of not getting that far amid his side’s struggles this season.
The Blues are currently in the bottom half of the table, putting Pochettino under immense pressure.
Other managers have already been linked to the Stamford Bridge dugout, including Barcelona’s Xavi and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi. According to journalist Simon Phillips, the latter is someone Chelsea co-sporting director Paul Winstanley really likes.
Manager plans to leave club at the end of the season amid Chelsea interest
Chelsea can still salvage something from this campaign. They are still in the FA Cup and victory in that tournament will deliver them not only a trophy, but also Europa League football next term.
That may be enough to keep Pochettino in a job, but if not, then Chelsea could turn to Xavi.
According to HITC, the Blues are interested in the 44-year-old, who announced in January that he will be leaving Barcelona at the end of a season, a stance that does not look to have changed.
Discussing his situation at the club, Fabrizio Romano said on The Here We Go Podcast: “The relationship remains very good and it’s real that the president of Barcelona Johan Laporta is trying in every single way to convince Xavi Hernandez. He started in [a] kind [of] aggressive, positive way, trying to tell Xavi to stay, to change his mind, to communicate that in public immediately and Xavi made clear that he wanted to take some time.
“He wanted to reflect, to focus on the pitch to do something special in La Liga or in the Champions League, where Barcelona have a big opportunity now against Paris Saint-Germain. So Xavi asked for time. He wants to focus on the present and then we will see at the end of the season. At the moment, he’s not changing his mind.”
Xavi set to leave Barcelona
Xavi seems intent on parting ways with Barcelona this summer, which could be good news for Chelsea.
The legendary midfielder is a modern-day coach who has had success at a big club like Barcelona, guiding them to the La Liga title last season.
Ultimately, should Chelsea decide to get rid of Pochettino, Xavi is a name worthy being put on their shortlist.
There are managers out there, so Pochettino needs to start proving to his bosses that he is the man to take the club forward.