Former Chelsea star delivers verdict on Cesc Fabregas as next Blues boss

Como boss Cesc Fabregas looks on ahead of a game

Current Como boss Cesc Fabregas has been heavily linked with the Chelsea vacancy -Credit:Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP via Getty Images

(Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP via Getty Images)

Wayne Bridge has thrown his support behind Cesc Fabregas to take charge at Chelsea. The 39-year-old is currently enjoying a highly impressive managerial stint at Como in Serie A, yet has been heavily touted as a candidate to take the reins at Stamford Bridge.

Liam Rosenior was fired by the club just shy of four months into his spell in charge, with BlueCo now searching for a fifth permanent manager since acquiring the club back in May 2022. Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola, and Xavi are among the names being circulated as potential candidates, but it is Fabregas who Bridge is firmly backing for the role.

When asked by football.london who he would like to see take charge, he wasted no time in responding: "I've talked about this a lot with Joe Cole. It's hard to know who they can get.

Former Chelsea star Wayne Bridge looks on during a game

Former Chelsea star Wayne Bridge has backed Fabregas to succeed with the Blues if given the chance -Credit:Marc Atkins/Getty Images

"I don't think you can take anything away from Liam for taking the job-he couldn't refuse it-but it was a tough time to come to the club. The one who stands out for me is Cesc Fabregas.

"He is such an intelligent player. I know people who have been to Como to see him and they speak very highly of him. It's a bit like Michael Carrick at Manchester United; Carrick was so intelligent, and I can imagine Cesc being able to do what Carrick has done-coming in and getting the team playing well.

"From what I hear, he has got great ideas. I like the sound of Cesc. I met him either last year or the year before. He literally lives and breathes football, so I think he would do really well."

In addition to appointing a new manager this summer, Chelsea are widely expected to be active in the transfer market. Bridge has now shared his assessment of the two areas his former club should prioritize strengthening, including a specific transfer target in one of those positions.

He said: "It has to start from the back. They definitely need experience at center-half. You only have to look at what Thiago Silva did when he came in. I've mentioned Marquinhos at PSG before, though I don't know if they can get him.

"Regarding the keeper [Robert Sanchez], he's a great shot-stopper, as seen in the semi-final, but he could be better with his feet. I think centre-back would be my main priority, and perhaps backup for [Joao] Pedro at center-forward."

It has been a disastrous season for Chelsea, with Monday's loss to Nottingham Forest extending their losing streak to six consecutive Premier League games. However, their FA Cup run has been a rare bright spot this season.

Calum McFarlane, in his second interim stint at the helm this season, guided Chelsea to a semi-final triumph over Leeds United, setting up a mouth-watering final against Manchester City at Wembley later this month.

With four games remaining this season, Chelsea's European fate for next season remains uncertain. A UEFA Champions League berth appears out of reach, though spots in either the Conference League or Europa League are still attainable. Regardless of their final league standing, lifting the FA Cup would secure their place in the Europa League.