Xavi may be poised to replace Enzo Maresca as Chelsea manager in the near future.

The Blues currently occupy fifth place in the Premier League following their last match of 2025, with recent performances causing significant disappointment at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea managed only a 2-2 draw at home against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening, coming on the heels of a weekend defeat to Aston Villa, also at their West London ground.

Bookmakers have dramatically shortened the odds on Maresca being dismissed by Chelsea following these underwhelming results, placing him among the leading contenders to become the next top-flight manager to lose his job.

As the new year begins, the Italian’s position appears increasingly precarious, with Xavi potentially ready to step in at short notice.

**Xavi emerges as frontrunner for Chelsea position**

Xavi has quickly become one of the leading candidates to take charge at Chelsea should Maresca be relieved of his duties, and signs increasingly point toward him assuming control at Stamford Bridge.

Over the past 24 hours, as the Italian has risen to become a genuine contender for the Premier League’s next managerial dismissal, betting odds on Xavi taking over have been slashed yet again.