Eden Hazard has hinted at a former teammate to take over as Chelsea manager, expressing his belief that Mauricio Pochettino should have remained in the position after performing a “fantastic job.” Despite a challenging season, Chelsea announced last week that they had parted ways with Pochettino “by mutual consent.”
Chelsea experienced a season marked by inconsistent performances and numerous injuries, which saw them spend much of the campaign in mid-table.
However, a late surge of five consecutive victories lifted them to sixth place, securing European competition for the following season. Despite this turnaround, differences in vision for the future between Pochettino and Chelsea’s management led to his departure, leaving the club in search of a new manager.
Initially, Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town emerged as a leading candidate for the job, but recent reports indicate that Chelsea has narrowed the field to two primary candidates: Thomas Frank of Brentford and Enzo Maresca of Leicester City. Additionally, Roberto De Zerbi is also being considered for the role.
Hazard, reflecting on Pochettino’s exit, expressed his disappointment, particularly after a season of transition. He praised Pochettino’s efforts and suggested that the decision to part ways might have been premature. “I was, to be frank, a bit upset,” Hazard told talkSPORT. “I believe he performed admirably. Although it’s only a transitional season, I understand that many want Chelsea to finish in the top four.”
Hazard further conveyed his admiration for Pochettino, acknowledging his managerial skills and the positive impact he had on the team. “He’s a terrific manager, I wish him good success,” Hazard said.
He also hinted at the possibility of former Chelsea player Cesc Fabregas taking over, suggesting that Fabregas could be a strong candidate for the managerial position. “My friend can also be the first manager in Como,” Hazard said, alluding to Fabregas’ recent stint as an interim manager at Como.
Fabregas had a brief managerial role at Como, where he served as interim manager for five games at the end of the previous season.
During this time, he helped lead the team to promotion to Serie A alongside Osian Roberts. This experience, coupled with his close ties to Chelsea, positions Fabregas as a potential candidate for the managerial role.
Hazard shared a recent encounter with Fabregas at Chelsea’s Cobham training facility, where they discussed football and the state of the club. “Ironically, I spent the weekend in London,” Hazard said. “I got along well with Mauricio. I always thought that he was a really lovely guy, a gentleman, when we played against them.”
Hazard recounted his visit to the training ground just days before Pochettino’s departure, noting the positive atmosphere and the apparent stability within the team. “Two days before the season ends, on Friday, I thought that they had won four straight games, so everything seemed to be going well and amusingly around the training ground ahead of the last game of the season,” he said. “I stopped by and he gave me a warm welcome. I talked football with him for an hour and a half in his office.”
Despite the amicable visit, Hazard was surprised by the decision to part ways with Pochettino. “I quite loved it and, to be honest, I didn’t have the impression that this would occur.
I was astonished by the choice since, just by glancing around and observing the atmosphere, I thought it was pleasant and simple,” Hazard concluded.
As Chelsea searches for a new manager, Hazard’s comments underscore the complexities and challenges facing the club in the aftermath of Pochettino’s departure.
His endorsement of Fabregas highlights the potential for a familiar face to step in and guide the team through its next chapter.
