The Belgian was sad to see Pochettino leave the club (Picture: Getty Images)
Eden Hazard feels Mauricio Pochettino should have continued as Chelsea manager after doing a ‘great job’ but has cheekily recommended a former team-mate to succeed him.
The west London club announced early last week that they had parted company with the Argentine coach ‘by mutual agreement’ after a turbulent season.
Inconsistent performances and a raft of injuries saw Chelsea languish in mid-table for much of the campaign, but a run of five wins on the bounce to end the season catapulted them up to sixth place – securing European qualification in the process.
But Pochettino and Chelsea’s hierarchy had different visions over how to take the club forward and the Blues are now hurriedly looking to bring in a new manager.
Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna was the early frontrunner, though Chelsea are believed to have whittled their search down to two names: Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca and Brentford’s Thomas Frank – though Roberto De Zerbi could also be in the mix.
Ultimately, Hazard was disappointed to see Pochettino leave Stamford Bridge, particularly following a season of transition, but has suggested it might be an opportunity to hand the reins over to former Como caretaker boss – and ex-Chelsea star – Cesc Fabregas.
Asked for his thoughts on Pochettino’s exit, Hazard told talkSPORT: ‘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.
Pochettino had finally won over Chelsea fans just before his exit (Picture: Getty)
‘He’s a great manager, I wish him good luck. Let’s see who is going to be there in the future.’
Asked who he would like to see take over and whether De Zerbi might be a good option, Hazard replied: ‘Maybe.
‘I have my friend also in Como [winks], he can be the first manager.’
Fabregas initially joined Como as a player before becoming caretaker boss for five games at the backend of last year; he has been Osian Roberts’ assistant since then and helped guide the side to promotion to Serie A.
Fabregas and Hazard during their playing days at Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
Fabregas actually visited Chelsea’s Cobham training ground a few days before Pochettino left, telling BBC Sounds’ Planet Premier League podcast: ‘I was there actually. Funnily enough I went to London on the weekend.
‘First of all I had a good relationship with Mauricio. When we played against them I always felt that he was a really nice guy, a gentleman.
‘So I felt they won four games in a row, that was Friday [that he visited], two days before the end of the season, so everything is fun and good and relaxed around the training ground, last game of the season.
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‘I just popped in and he welcomed me so much. I stayed an hour and a half in his office talking football.
‘Obviously talking to some of the people I know working at the club, I saw some ex-teammates as well.
‘So it was really fun and I really enjoyed it and, to be fair, I didn’t have the feeling that this was going to happen. Just looking around, the feeling that you have around the place, I felt that it was nice and easy so I was surprised about the decision.’
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