Eden Hazard has jokingly suggested that Cesc Fabregas could take over as the next Chelsea boss, after branding Mauiricio Pochettino’s exit as “sad”.
The Blues have already begun their hunt for the next head coach after Pochettino exited by mutual consent last Tuesday. The club have been roundly criticised for allowing the Argentine to leave after guiding them to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
Hazard says he was not happy to hear that Pochettino had left Stamford Bridge last week and believed the manager had done well during his 10 months in charge, having reached a Carabao Cup final and FA Cup semi-final.
“I was a bit sad to be fair,” said Hazard to talkSPORT when asked about his reaction to Pochettino’s exit. “I think he did a great job.
“I know people want Chelsea to be in the top four but it’s just a season of transition. He’s a great manager, I wish him good luck. Let’s see who’s going to be there in the future.”
Chelsea have drawn up a list of potential successors with Roberto De Zerbi among them. He is being tipped as the man most likely to land the job with Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank of Brentford and Leicester manager Enzo Maresca also on the shortlist.
Hazard, appearing to be at a charity match, was asked if he would like De Zerbi at the helm at Chelsea. He stayed neutral before jokingly suggesting that Como coach Fabregas could take on the job. On De Zerbi he said: “Maybe. I also have my friend in Como [Fabregas]. He can be the first manager [winks].”
"My friend in Como…" 👀
Eden Hazard speaks EXCLUSIVELY to talkSPORT, and tips Cesc Fabregas to become the next Chelsea manager.👇 pic.twitter.com/ticU8r7OjT
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) May 26, 2024
Fabregas is the assistant manager to Osian Roberts at Como, who have just earned promotion to Serie A after a 21-year absence. The Spaniard was caretaker boss from November until December after the dismissal of Moreno Longo, taking them from seventh to third in Serie B.
Fabregas played at Chelsea alongside Hazard for five years between 2014 and 2019, winning two Premier League titles in 2015 and 2017. They also clasped hands on the 2015 League Cup, 2018 FA Cup and 2019 Europa League.
