(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Mon 27 April 2026 20:15, UK

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Chelsea want to ensure that they get a “proven” top-level manager as their next appointment at the end of the season, sources have told Football Insider.

Xavi is currently being touted as one of the early candidates to take on the role at Stamford Bridge, but it is understood that he is not keen on the idea of leading the Blues.

The Spaniard will only return to management for a “long-term project,” and sources say that he does not feel that would be available to him at Chelsea.

As a result, it is understood that the “ship has sailed” for him to join the West Londoners, after previously being linked with them on several occasions in recent years.

Chelsea’s hunt for a new manager remains ongoing after they sacked Liam Rosenior last week, and they have already decided that they want an “experienced” figure to lead them forward.

Chelsea ‘instability’ to cause problem for managerial search

Chelsea fans have already protested against their BlueCo ownership this season, and former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes that there is a rift behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

He told Football Insider last week that there has been a falling out within Chelsea’s owners, and that is driving “instability” throughout the club, in both a footballing and business sense.

The volatile nature of the club in recent years has proven enough to deter Xavi from putting himself forward as a candidate for the manager’s job, and it could have a big effect on the rest of the club’s managerial search.

Todd Boehly and Co. opted to promote from within when they took Rosenior from their sister club Strasbourg, but they now have an entirely different set of requirements for their next man.

Chelsea want a seasoned and recognisable figure to try and turn their fortunes around next term, as they are desperate to get back to the top end of the Premier League as quickly as possible.

Stamford Bridge vacancy causing huge fears elsewhere

Football Insider revealed last weekend that Coventry City have “sounded out” Derby County manager John Eustace amid fears that Chelsea could come calling for Frank Lampard this summer.

The Blues’ decision to sack Rosenior last week has put the hierarchy at the CBS Arena on red alert, and they have already begun to work on a backup plan in case their boss is prised away from them.

Lampard has just led the Sky Blues to the Championship title, and they will play Premier League football for the first time since 2001 next term.

The Midlands outfit are working hard to ensure that he is still with them by the time next season comes around, with the lure of his former club providing a fresh worry for them.

Lampard became a legend for Chelsea during his playing career, and has since held the maanger’s job there on two separate occasions.