As things stand, Chelsea are only at the very dawn of Liam Rosenior's time in charge of the club. His start has been largely positive, but that hasn't stopped Eden Hazard from discussing a different man who could one day take over at Stamford Bridge.
With just two defeats from his first eight games as Blues manager, both coming against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final, Rosenior has made a decent early impression with his new club. Winning all of his six other games has helped Chelsea make it into the next stage of the Champions League and FA Cup, as well as keep them fifth in the Premier League.
However, standards are high in West London and the BlueCo ownership are never seemingly far away from a sacking, should they feel unsatisfied – as we saw with Enzo Maresca. Perhaps with that in mind, Hazard has touted one former teammate who he hopes will get a chance to call the shots at Stamford Bridge in the near future.
Hazard Backs Fabregas 'to Become One of the Best Coaches'
Chelsea's Eden Hazard celebrates with Cesc Fabregas after the match
Hazard spent seven years at Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the Europa League, and the League Cup. His best season, was most likely in 2014/15.
In that campaign, the Belgian got his hands on his first league title, as well as a domestic cup, and was named as the Premier League Player of the Season. He was no doubt helped by Cesc Fabregas who played a starring role for the Blues in midfield under Jose Mourinho.
The Spaniard worked with some brilliant managers across his career, including Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola, and Antonio Conte, and Hazard seems to think Fabregas can become a coach at the highest level too. The retired winger tipped his former teammate to one day prove his credentials at Chelsea, saying:
"I'll be honest, in the summer we talked a bit. I told him he was one of the best midfielders in history and that he's destined to become one of the best coaches as well.
"I explained to him that the time has come for him to return to Chelsea, and he joked about it, but I really believe it. He loves football and knows everything about this spot.
"I'm a Chelsea fan, and I want the best for the club. That's why I dream of seeing Cesc on their bench, while I'll be staying in the stands behind him, enjoying the show."
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior shakes hands with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta Related
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John Terry Has Also Praised Fabregas After Success at Como
Chelsea's John Terry celebrates with Cesc Fabregas
Interestingly enough, Hazard isn't the only former Chelsea man who thinks Fabregas could make a top Premier League coach. John Terry recently claimed the Spaniard has 'the best football brain' he's ever seen.
He added: “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.”
Fabregas' early coaching experience has been with Como. Having retired with the Italian club in the 2022/23 season, he became their U19s manager, before taking charge of the senior team on an interim basis in November 2023.
He spent just one month in charge as he didn't have the required UEFA licence but eventually took over on a permanent basis after Como secured promotion to Serie A in 2024. Since then, he has a very impressive record in Italy's top flight, with 27 wins in 64 matches. That win rate of 43 per cent sees his side overperforming in the league as they sit sixth with 23 games played so far.