John Terry believes the sharpest football mind he has played with will one day lead either Chelsea or Arsenal.
John Terry Believes Cesc Fabregas Could Manage Chelsea In Future
John Terry never speaks lightly about leadership, and his latest words have stirred debate across English football. The former Chelsea captain has hinted that a familiar face from his dressing room days has the tools to manage at the very top. This comes at a time when the Blues are again under pressure. Their current project is facing heavy criticism after another painful night against Arsenal.
When asked to choose between Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal or Chelsea, Terry was honest.
Speaking to the Icon Series, Terry said: “The Fabregas of Arsenal because of the time he spent there. But that year I played with him and we won the league under Conte, honestly, I think he’s got the best football brain I’ve been around and seen.
“The way he understands football, and there’s no coincidence why he’s doing so well at Como. I think he’s going to be a top, top manager and, one day, he will manage a Chelsea or an Arsenal at the top level.”
John Terry on Cesc Fabregas: "I think he’s got the best football brain I’ve been around and seen. The way he understands football, and there’s no coincidence why he’s doing so well at Como. I think he’s going to be a top, top manager. pic.twitter.com/j0DsiMD8JE
— The Pitchside Review (@pitchsidereview) February 5, 2026
Why Fabregas Still Stands Out To Terry?
Managers at Stamford Bridge rarely get long to build, and history shows patience is thin. Terry knows this world very well. He has seen trusted figures rise fast and fall quicker. That is why his focus has changed from short term fixes to long term thinkers.
The former Blues’ defender believes Chelsea and Arsenal will soon come calling for a manager who understands the game beyond tactics. They will need someone who reads space, tempo, and people. For Terry, modern football needs brains as much as passion. His comments feel less like praise and more like a warning to clubs who might wait too long.
He also hinted that timing matters as well. Clubs often chase trends instead of thinkers, and that mistake costs seasons. Terry feels Fabregas waits, learns, and builds trust. That said, is suits jobs at big clubs. This patience separates future winners from short term risks. It is a mindset shaped by years under great coaches and tough nights.
Como Rise Confirms A Manager In The Making
Fabregas did not rush his next move after retiring. He learned his craft quietly at Com. First he worked with the youth side, then moved in briefly as an interim boss. Once fully licensed and trusted, he took charge properly and has not looked back since. Como’s rise has been steady and strong which says a lot.
Como’s promotion was followed by smart progress and not by panic spending. Under Fabregas, the team plays with purpose and balance as results back it up. A strong win rate and a top six league spot have put Como in the European picture.
For a club new to the top level, this rise is huge. Terry sees these signs clearly. Managing egos, improving young players, and staying competitive week after week is the real test. Given that, Fabregas is passing it smoothly. That is why Terry is convinced bigger jobs are coming, whether at Chelsea or at Arsenal.
The numbers support the confidence and players respond to his ideas. In addition, the team’s improvement is visible each month. Scouts notice patterns which strengthens his growing reputation across leagues.
That is why talk of bigger clubs feels realistic rather than rushed. Doors open fast when results and style align. Now, Europe is watching the Spaniard very closely. Terry’s view feels grounded in what Fabregas is building. If his growth continues, Premier League giants will not stay patient for long.
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