Cesc Fabregas has got the seal of approval from a former player to become Chelsea’s fifth permanent manager in four years
Wayne Bridge has backed Cesc Fabregas to become Chelsea’s next head coach. The 39-year-old is currently in the midst of a very successful management spell at Como in Serie A, but has been strongly linked to taking charge at Stamford Bridge.
Liam Rosenior was sacked by the club just four months into his tenure with BlueCo looking for a fifth permanent manager since investing in the club back in May 2022. Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola, Xavi and are just a few names emerging of interest but it is Fabregas that Bridge wants to see take the job.
When asked by football.london who he wants to see in charge, he promptly replied: “I’ve talked about this a lot with Joe Cole. It’s hard to know who they can get.
“I don’t think you can take anything away from Liam for taking the job—he couldn’t refuse it—but it was a tough time to come to the club. The one who stands out for me is Cesc Fabregas.
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“He is such an intelligent player. I know people who have been to Como to see him and they speak very highly of him. It’s a bit like Michael Carrick at Manchester United; Carrick was so intelligent, and I can imagine Cesc being able to do what Carrick has done—coming in and getting the team playing well.”
“From what I hear, he has got great ideas. I like the sound of Cesc. I met him either last year or the year before. He literally lives and breathes football, so I think he would do really well.”
Alongside appointing another new manager this summer, Chelsea are also expected to be busy in the transfer market. Bridge has now shared his verdict on the two positions his former club should look to strengthen in and the specific signing that should be made in one of those.
He said: “It has to start from the back. They definitely need experience at centre-half. You only have to look at what Thiago Silva did when he came in. I’ve mentioned Marquinhos at PSG before, though I don’t know if they can get him.
“Regarding the keeper [Robert Sanchez], he’s a great shot-stopper, as seen in the semi-final, but he could be better with his feet. I think centre-back would be my main priority, and perhaps backup for [Joao] Pedro at centre-forward.
It has been a disastrous season for Chelsea with defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday making it six consecutive Premier League losses, but they have had a strong FA Cup campaign.
Calum McFarlane, during his second interim spell in charge this season, led Chelsea to a semi-final victory over Leeds United with an enticing final against Manchester City at Wembley set up for later this month.
Chelsea have four games left this season and it is currently unclear which European competition, if any at all, they will be playing in next season. Champions League football seems unlikely but they could still be in the Conference League or Europa League and regardless of league position, winning the FA Cup will guarantee a spot in the latter.
Wayne was speaking to Kieran ahead of the Emirates FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City. To celebrate, Emirates and The FA joined forces, bringing international football fans together with local supporters to experience football culture in the UK, including watching all the action on the pitch.
