Former Barcelona boss Xavi as emerged as the early betting favourite to succeed Enzo Maresca at Chelsea with the Italian under growing pressure at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have picked up just one win in their last seven Premier League games with faint hopes of challenging for the Premier League title quickly evaporating.
They were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth on Tuesday night with the Cherries without a league win since October.
Maresca was roundly booed by home fans after taking off Cole Palmer as his side chased a winner in that game with more jeers following at full-time.
Numerous reports on Wednesday claim Maresca is not in immediate danger of losing his job in the aftermath of that result.
But the Daily Telegraph report that could quickly change unless results begin to improve quickly. Another huge game awaits on Sunday with a trip to Manchester City before a west London derby with Fulham next Wednesday. Difficult games against Arsenal and Napoli in the Carabao Cup and Champions League also await in what could be a defining month for the manager.
While there have been no reports of a replacement being lined up at this stage, bookmaker Bet Victor place Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi as the current favourite for the Chelsea job should it become vacant at 6/1.
Next Chelsea manager odds
Xavi: 6/1
Liam Rosenior: 8/1
Oliver Glasner: 8/1
Unai Emery: 10/1
Marco Silva: 10/1
Cesc Fabregas: 12/1
Andoni Iraola: 12/1
Frank Lampard: 12/1
Julian Nagelsmann: 16/1
Antonio Conte: 16/1
John Terry: 16/1
Xavi has been out of a job since leaving Barcelona in 2024 after three years at the helm, winning one Spanish title in that period.
Liam Rosenior is building an impressive reputation at Strasbourg, another club under the BlueCo banner. He is priced at 8/1, along with Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner whose contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the season.
Fulham boss Marco Silva and Unai Emery are both at 10/1 with Frank Lampard priced at 12/1 for a third stint in the dugout.
Before Christmas, multiple reports named Maresca as a leading candidate to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City should the latter walk away at the end of the season.
Maresca worked as the Under-23 head coach at City and as Guardiola’s assistant before leaving for Leicester in 2023.
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The Italian firmly dismissed those reports, however. ‘It doesn’t affect me. It’s 100% speculation.
‘There is no time for this kind of thing. I have a contract here until 2029. My focus is just about this club. I’m very proud to be here.
‘It’s speculation. One week ago was the same thing with Juventus. I don’t pay attention because I know it’s not true.’
