“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
Although Eden Hazard thinks Mauricio Pochettino should have carried on as Chelsea manager following a “fantastic job,” he has slyly suggested a former team-mate to succeed him.
Following a stormy season, the west London club declared early last week that they had “by common consent” split with the Argentine coach.
Chelsea languished in mid-table for much of the campaign, with a slew of injuries and inconsistent performances; nevertheless, a run of five wins on the bounce sent them up to sixth position and guaranteed European status in the process.
But the leadership of Pochettino and Chelsea had different ideas on how to progress the team, and the Blues are now frantically searching for a new manager.
Although Chelsea is said to have reduced their search to two names— Leicester City head Enzo Maresca and Brentford’s Thomas Frank— Roberto De Zerbi might potentially be in the mix. Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna was the early favorite.
Hazard was let down to see Pochettino depart Stamford Bridge, especially in light of a season of transition, but he has advised it may be a chance to pass the batons to former Como caretaker coach – and ex-Chelsea player – Cesc Fabregas.
Inquired about Pochettino’s leaving, Hazard said to talkSPORT: “I was a bit disappointed, to be frank.
“I found him to be really good. Though it’s only a season of transition, I know fans want Chelsea to be among the top four.
Mauricio Pochettino, former coach of Chelsea
Just before his leave, Pochettino had at last won over Chelsea supporters (Image: Getty). “He’s a fantastic manager; I wish him good success. Let’s see who will be present moving forward.
Hazard said, “Maybe” when asked who he would want to see take over and if De Zerbi would be a suitable choice.
“My friend can be the first manager; he lives in Como [winks].
Originally joining Como as a player, Fabregas became caretaker coach for five games at the backend of last year; he has been Osian Roberts’ assistant since then and has guided the team towards Serie A.
A few days before Pochettino left, Fabregas visited Chelsea’s Cobham training complex and reported on Planet Premier League on BBC Sounds. Oddly enough, I spent the weekend in London.
First of all, my rapport with Mauricio was positive. Every time we played against them, I always thought he was a quite courteous individual.
‘So I thought they won four games in a row, it was Friday [that he visited], two days before the conclusion of the season, therefore everything is pleasant and wonderful and calm around the training ground, last game of the season.
I simply dropped in and he greeted me really warmly. I lingered in his office chatting football for one and a half hours.
” Clearly, I also noticed several ex-teammates among some of the people I knew employed at the club.
To be fair, I didn’t get the impression that this would happen; it was very enjoyable and amusing. Looking about, I sensed a pleasant and simple attitude about the surroundings, so I was astonished about the choice.
