Chelsea legend Eden Hazard names his surprise pick to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge, as the Blues finalise their four-man shortlist for the manager’s hotseat

Chelsea icon Eden Hazard has offered a left-field suggestion for who should replace Mauricio Pochettino at the club next season.

The Argentine manager left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last week after just one season in charge, despite leading the Blues back into Europe following a sixth-place finish.

The search is on for his successor with several candidates being considered, and Hazard has thrown another name into the mix.

Hazard, who spent seven years at Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, believes his former team-mate Cesc Fabregas would be a good option, despite the Spaniard having never held a permanent managerial position.

When asked if he would like to see ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi – one contender to replace Pochettino – take the role, Hazard told talkSPORT: ‘Maybe. I have my friend also in Como. He can be the first manager.’

Fabregas has spent the last two years at Como in Italy, initially as a player before hanging up his boots in 2023.

He became the first team’s interim manager following the sacking of Moreno Longo last November, before they brought in Osian Roberts the following month, with Fabregas then becoming his assistant.

Como achieved promotion to Serie A earlier this month, with Fabregas playing his part in their rise, but he still has very little experience as a No1.

Yet Hazard, who played alongside Fabregas for five years, is convinced the 37-year-old is ready to make the step up and take the manager’s hotseat at Chelsea.

Reflecting on Pochettino’s departure, Hazard added: ‘I was a bit sad, to be fair. I think he did a great job. I know people want Chelsea to be in the top four but it’s just a season of transition. 

‘He’s a great manager. I wish him good luck. Let’s see who’s going to be there in the future.’

Hazard may want Fabregas back at Stamford Bridge, but it is understood that the former midfielder is not in the running for the manager’s position.

Chelsea finalised their four-man shortlist on Sunday, and De Zerbi is on it, just days after leaving Brighton. 

He has emerged as the favourite for the role, but Enzo Maresca, Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank are also being considered.

De Zerbi is believed to ‘tick all the boxes’ for Chelsea, but despite leaving Brighton, the Blues would still need to pay their fellow Premier League club around £5m in compensation if they opt to make a move for the Italian.