“I think he will be the best replacement for Pochettino we have seen what he has done for other clubs and still doing now for his current club-Eden Hazard has a bold recommendation for Chelsea’s next manager
Eden Hazard believes Mauricio Pochettino should have stayed as Chelsea manager after performing a “fantastic job,” but has cheekily suggested a former teammate to succeed him.
The west London club confirmed early last week that they had parted ways with the Argentine coach ‘by mutual consent’ following a tumultuous season.
Chelsea spent much of the season in mid-table due to inconsistent performances and a slew of injuries, but a run of five wins in a row at the conclusion propelled them up to sixth place, sealing European qualifying in the process.
However, Pochettino and Chelsea’s leadership had different ideas about how to move the club forward, and the Blues are now rushing to find a new manager.
Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town was the early favourite, but Chelsea are thought to have narrowed their search to two names: Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca and Brentford’s Thomas Frank – but Roberto De Zerbi might also be in the running.
Finally, Hazard was unhappy to see Pochettino depart Stamford Bridge, especially after a season of transition, but he indicated it may be a chance to give over the reigns to former Como caretaker manager – and ex-Chelsea player – Cesc Fabregas.
When asked about Pochettino’s departure, Hazard told talkSPORT: “I was a little sad, to be honest.”
‘I think he did an excellent job. I understand that many people want Chelsea to finish in the top four, but this is simply a transitional season.
Ex-Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino won over Chelsea supporters before his departure (Picture: Getty). ‘He’s a wonderful manager, I wish him well. Let’s see who will be there in the future.
When asked who he would want to see take over and whether De Zerbi would be a suitable choice, Hazard said, “Maybe.”
‘I have a buddy in Como [winks]; he can be the first manager.
Fabregas joined Como as a player before serving as temporary manager for five games at the close of last year; he has since become Osian Roberts’ assistant and has helped steer the club to promotion to Serie A.
Fabregas went to Chelsea’s Cobham training complex a few days before Pochettino left, telling BBC Sounds’ Planet Premier League podcast: “I was there genuinely. Funnily enough, I traveled to London over the weekend.
Firstly, I had a terrific relationship with Mauricio. When we played against them, I always thought he was a very kind guy, a gentleman.
‘So I thought they won four games in a row on Friday [when he visited], two days before the conclusion of the season, so everything is pleasant and wonderful and calm around the training ground, the last game of the season.
‘I simply came in, and he was really welcoming. I spent an hour and a half in his office talking football.
‘Obviously, when chatting to some of the individuals I know who work at the club, I also saw several ex-teammates.
‘So that was a lot of fun, and to be honest, I didn’t expect this to happen. Just looking around, the vibe you get about the location, I thought it was lovely and simple, so I was astonished by the choice.
