Cesc Fabregas sends message to Chelsea over replacing Liam Rosenior as manager

Cesc Fabregas has distanced himself from recent speculation linking him with the Chelsea job, insisting he remains ‘committed’ to Como and ‘very unlikely’ to change clubs.

The 38-year-old has turned heads with his impressive work in charge of Como having led the side to promotion from the Italian second tier in the summer of 2024.

Como finished ninth on their return to Serie A last season – their highest finish since 1987 – and the club are on course to better that this term, sitting fifth in the table with just six games remaining of the campaign.

Fabregas’ men also find themselves in the mix for this year’s Coppa Italia title, with their semi-final tie against Inter Milan currently goalless ahead of next week’s second leg at the San Siro.

Given Como have never before competed in Europe, Champions League qualification would represent a remarkable achievement for Fabregas in what is only his second season as permanent manager of the Lombardy-based outfit.

However, the legendary Spaniard’s’ exploits are naturally beginning to attract the attentions of some of the biggest names in world football, with Como’s president recently telling Revista Undici: ‘Cesc is really very important for us, but we would be stupid not to think that one day he could go to Arsenal, Barcelona or Chelsea.

‘If he continues to win with us or in any case to be successful, even if I cannot speak for him, I believe he could have bigger dreams.

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‘Having said that, I hope that as long as he is here he will help us create a success plan also for those who will have to replace him.

‘For me, when he leaves, if he ever leaves, he should be the one to choose who will take his place.

He should be involved in the choice.

‘Being a member of the Board of Football, he will have to help us appoint the next coach.’
Just this week, Italian cult hero Marco Materazzi advised Chelsea to ditch Liam Rosenior and replace him with Fabregas in the wake of the side’s defeat to Manchester City.

‘I was at Chelsea’s game against Everton [a 3-0 loss on March 21],’ the former Italy and Inter Milan defender told Hajper.

‘With Enzo Maresca, they were a totally different team.

What I saw in Liverpool was an easy game for Everton.

Chelsea did not impress me.

‘I think they have to change.

They are a young team and I don’t know if they have the best manager for what Chelsea need right now.

‘They have to try for Cesc Fabregas this summer.

I love the job he is doing right now in Como.

I don’t know if he will move because he wants to take Como to the Champions League but I can see Chelsea in the future for Fabregas.

‘Why not?

Chelsea are the best club for Cesc Fabregas because they have young players who will follow his words immediately.’
But it appears Fabregas is not even entertaining the idea of upping sticks for a change of scenery, with the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder underlining his commitment to Como on Monday.

‘I am very committed to this project.

You never know, but right now I think it’s very unlikely I’ll leave Como,’ Fabregas explained after being handed the Enzo Bearzot award by the Italian Football Federation.

‘Last year, I wanted to see how other clubs operated.

I mentioned it to the president, but I decided to stay.

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This is an important project.

‘I need to feel good here.

It’s important that my family is happy, and if they’re happy in Como, I’ll stay.’
On the prospect of managing the Italian national team in the future, Fabregas said: ‘Maybe someday.

‘Right now, I’m too much of a coach and I need to be on the pitch every day.

‘Being the national team coach right now might be boring, too much free time.

‘In the future, when I’m older, you never know.

Fabregas put pen to paper on a four-year contract when he was appointed permanent manager of Como, tying him to the club until 2028.

Chelsea boss Rosenior, meanwhile, is believed to be maintain the ‘full confidence’ of Chelsea’s hierarchy despite his mixed start in the hot seat at Stamford Bridge.

Rosenior’s current deal with the Blues runs through to 2032.

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