Former Barcelona midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has claimed that Chelsea Football Club may already be considering former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas as a potential future manager, despite the recent appointment of Liam Rosenior. This speculation emerges even as Rosenior has made a largely positive start to his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior's Promising Start at Chelsea
Liam Rosenior stepped into the managerial role at Chelsea last month following the abrupt departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day. Despite suffering a defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, Rosenior has guided Chelsea to a convincing FA Cup victory over Hull City, securing progression into the fifth round. Additionally, four wins from his first five Premier League games have positioned Chelsea firmly in contention for a top-four finish, showcasing an encouraging beginning to his leadership.
Doubts Over Rosenior's Long-Term Future
However, not everyone is convinced about Rosenior's long-term suitability for the high-pressure role at Chelsea. World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit has expressed skepticism, suggesting that Rosenior could be out of the job by the end of the year due to the trigger-happy nature of Chelsea's decision-makers. This uncertainty opens the door for potential replacements, with Fabregas emerging as a notable candidate.
Fabregas's Impressive Managerial Record
Cesc Fabregas, who captained Arsenal and later won the Premier League with Chelsea, has garnered significant attention for his managerial achievements at Como. Since taking over permanently in July 2024, the 38-year-old Spaniard led Como to a tenth-place finish in Serie A during his first season, marking the club's best league performance since 1987. This season, Fabregas has built on that success, with Como currently sitting seventh in the table and just one point off European qualification spots.
Mendieta's Insights on Fabregas's Potential
Gaizka Mendieta emphasized that Fabregas is likely to remain at Como for the foreseeable future, given the club's support in player recruitment and decision-making power. However, Mendieta noted that Fabregas's "incredible" work in Italy will undoubtedly attract attention from top clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal. He highlighted a recent incident where Fabregas publicly criticized player Alvaro Morata for a red card, showcasing his growing authority and managerial personality.
Mendieta stated, "His former clubs will let managers go, and obviously Chelsea, Arsenal, I mean really any club at the top, will be looking at him as an option because he's doing an incredible job at Como." This endorsement underscores Fabregas's rising stock in the managerial world.
Arteta's Future and Broader Implications
While Arsenal are currently content with Mikel Arteta's progress, Mendieta speculated that Arteta might eventually manage Barcelona, given his strong connections to the club. He suggested that Arteta's future could depend on whether he desires to experience football in different countries or remain a long-term figure at Arsenal. This potential managerial movement adds another layer of intrigue to the Premier League landscape.
In summary, despite Liam Rosenior's solid start at Chelsea, the specter of Cesc Fabregas as a future manager looms large, driven by his impressive track record at Como and endorsements from figures like Gaizka Mendieta. As the football season unfolds, all eyes will be on both Rosenior's performance and Fabregas's continued development in Italy.
