Eden Hazard feels Mauricio Pochettino should have continued as Chelsea manager after doing a 'great job' but cheekily recommended a former teammate to succeed him.
The West London club announced early last week that they had done so said goodbye to the Argentinian coach 'by mutual agreement' after a turbulent season.
Inconsistent performances and a series of injuries saw Chelsea languish in mid-table for much of the season, but a run of five wins at the end of the season catapulted them to sixth place – thereby securing European qualification.
But Pochettino and Chelsea's hierarchy had different views on how to take the club forward and the Blues are now rushing to find a new manager.
Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna was the early frontrunner, although Chelsea probably did have narrowed their search down to two names: Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca and Brentford's Thomas Frank – although Roberto De Zerbi could also be in the mix.
Ultimately, Hazard was disappointed to see Pochettino leave Stamford Bridge, especially after a transitional season, but he suggested it could be an opportunity to hand the reins to former Como caretaker boss – and ex-Chelsea star – Cesc Fabregas .
Asked for his opinion on Pochettino's departure, Hazard said talkSPORT: 'To be honest, I was a bit sad.
'I think he did a great job. I know people want Chelsea to be in the top four, but it's just a transition season.
'He is a great manager, I wish him the best of luck. Let's see who will be there in the future.'
When asked who he would like to see take over and whether De Zerbi could be a good option, Hazard replied: 'Maybe.
'I have my friend in Como too [winks]he can be the first manager.”
Fabregas initially joined Como as a player before becoming caretaker boss for five games at the end of last year; Since then he has been Osian Roberts' assistant and helped the team to promotion to Serie A.
Fabregas actually visited Chelsea's training ground in Cobham a few days before Pochettino left, he told BBC Sounds' Planet Premier League podcast: 'I was actually there. Funnily enough, I went to London for the weekend.
'First of all, I had a good relationship with Mauricio. Whenever we played against them, I always felt like he was a really nice guy, a gentleman.
“So I felt like they won four games in a row, that was Friday [that he visited]two days before the end of the season, so everything is nice and good and relaxed around the training ground, the last game of the season.
“I just walked in and he welcomed me so warmly. I stayed in his office for an hour and a half talking about football.
'Of course I spoke to some people I know who work at the club, and I also saw some ex-team-mates.
“So it was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it, and to be honest I didn't feel like it was going to happen. Just looking around, the feeling you have everywhere, I felt it was nice and easy, so I was surprised about the decision.”
For more stories like this, check out our sports page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news
Facebook, Tweet And Instagram.
MORE : Pep Guardiola 'plans to leave Man City next year', with four possible replacements revealed
MORE : Manchester United star Harry Maguire takes aim at Leeds after play-off final loss to Southampton
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy Policy And Terms of Service to apply.