Former Chelsea star Glen Johnson believes Cesc Fabregas would immediately earn the respect of the dressing room if given the job at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are trying to find their sixth everlasting manager in 4 years after parting ways with Liam Rosenior in April.
Andoni Iraola is among the many names into consideration in west London with the Spaniard set to go away Bournemouth when his contract expires at the tip of the season.
Barcelona legend Xavi has also emerged as a candidate – a free agent having not returned to the dugout since stepping down as head coach on the Camp Nou in 2024.
Former Blues midfielder Fabregas has also been strongly linked with the job. After three years with Barcelona, the previous Arsenal captain returned to the Premier League in 2014, winning two Premier League titles with Chelsea.
The 38-year-old is now constructing a formidable popularity Italy with Como where his coaching profession began just two years ago. The Serie A side are on target to qualify for Europe in what’s just their second season within the Italian top flight with Fabregas central to the project.
After years of managerial upheaval, former Chelsea full-back Johnson believes the club now must stand by their next appointment for at the least 18 months, something only Enzo Maresca and Thomas Tuchel have managed under the BlueCo regime. Neither made it to 2 years.
Chelsea have turned to experienced winners like Tuchel and highly-rated young coaches like Graham Potter and Rosenior with neither approach yielding long-term success.
Fabregas would represent an appointment from the latter category but after a hugely decorated profession at club and international level, Johnson believes his presence would immediately win over the squad.
‘Chelsea have had each [types of manager],’ Johnson told Metro via BetMGM. ‘An experienced manager who won every little thing? They sacked them. Young, promising managers? Sacked them too.
‘I don’t think it’s a selected profile they’re after, they only care about winning. Whoever it’s needs time to show it around and win.
‘Each Iraola and Fabregas have credentials, having Premier League experience as a manager is big whereas Cesc knows the club loads higher and as a former player, would definitely get the players’ respect.
‘I just want them to offer someone 18 months, let the dust settle and allow them to play the best way they wish to play.’
Johnson continued: ‘The club need to determine what direction they’re getting in and keep on with it regardless of the way it goes, good or bad, for 18 months.
‘It’s ridiculous what number of managers they’ve had and it does upset the players. The players are skilled, you simply wish to do your job on the pitch and let everyone else worry about off the sphere stuff.
‘They will probably be working hard in training towards a manager’s philosophy after which a month later they will probably be gone and a brand new manager is available in and changes it throughout with a brand new staff.
‘The entire club needs momentum. There aren’t many managers that are available and are successful from day one.’
MORE: PSG or Bayern Munich? Martin Keown names who he wants Arsenal to play in Champions League final
MORE: Casemiro reveals why he won’t stay at Manchester United for yet another season
MORE: Wesley Sneijder blasts £50m Arsenal star after reaching Champions League final