Hazard backs Fabregas for future Chelsea return as Como rise continues
Eden Hazard has backed former Chelsea team mate Cesc Fabregas to one day manage at Stamford Bridge, tipping the Spaniard to become one of the best coaches in football as his early managerial rise gathers pace in Italy.
Fabregas is currently in charge of Serie A side Como and has impressed during his first full season in the dugout, guiding the newly promoted club into sixth place and firmly into the race for European qualification. Como sit just four points off the Champions League places, a remarkable turnaround since his appointment in July 2024.
The former Spain midfielder has overseen a rapid transformation, taking Como from Serie B into the top six of Italian football. Hazard, who spent five seasons alongside Fabregas in west London, believes that success is only the beginning and sees a long term future for him back at Chelsea.
Chelsea have recently appointed Liam Rosenior following Enzo Maresca’s departure, but Hazard admits he is already dreaming of a day when Fabregas returns to the club in a different role.
Fabregas is only 38 and is still at the very start of his coaching journey, yet his impact has drawn praise across Europe. His work at Como has been built on structured possession, positional discipline and trust in young players, traits that reflect his own playing career at the highest level.
The Italian project matters because it is Fabregas’ first major test as a head coach, and it has come under real pressure. Promotion expectations quickly turned into survival demands, and now European qualification is a realistic target with several rounds still to play.
Como’s home atmosphere has grown stronger as results have improved, with Fabregas’ side showing confidence in buildup play and maturity in tight matches. His midfield remains the engine of the team, dictating tempo and controlling games in a way that mirrors his influence as a player.
There have been defining moments along the way, including key late goals, controlled away performances and tactical flexibility against stronger opponents. Fabregas has shown a willingness to adapt his shape mid match, earning points through game management as much as style.
The Spaniard has also spoken openly about his development, insisting that coaching has forced him to learn at speed and rethink football from a completely different perspective. He has praised Chelsea’s current rebuild, highlighting the importance of patience with young players and long term structure.
As the season moves into its decisive phase, Como remain firmly in the hunt for Europe, while Fabregas’ reputation continues to grow with every result. If the trajectory holds, Hazard’s vision of seeing him one day on the Chelsea touchline may feel less like a dream and more like an eventual destination.