Former Blues defender Glen Johnson believes Cesc Fabregas would immediately command the respect of the Chelsea squad if he were appointed, praising the Spaniard’s stature and reputation within the game.
Fabregas is one of a number of candidates being discussed as Chelsea’s sporting directors continue their extensive recruitment process.
The club are reportedly considering seven or eight options, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola viewed as an early frontrunner for the role.
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is also thought to be highly admired internally, while Fulham head coach Marco Silva remains firmly in Chelsea’s thinking.
Chelsea are not expected to rush their decision and intend to conduct a thorough search before naming a successor.
The latest managerial shake-up came after Liam Rosenior was dismissed last month, fewer than four months after taking charge. Rosenior became Chelsea’s second head coach to leave this season after Enzo Maresca departed in January.
“Chelsea have had both [types of manager], an experienced manager who won everything? They sacked them. Young, promising managers? Sacked them too,” Johnson said as quoted by Metro.
“I don’t think it is a specific profile they are after, they only care about winning. Whoever it is needs time to turn it around and win.
“Both Iraola and Fabregas have credentials, having Premier League experience as a manager is huge whereas Cesc knows the club a lot better and as a former player, would definitely get the players’ respect.”
