Eden Hazard has expressed his sadness at Mauricio Pochettino’s exit, but joked that he knows the ideal man to replace him.
The Argentine boss left Chelsea by mutual consent following the end of the Premier League season where he led the club to sixth place in the table.
While Manchester United‘s FA Cup win means that the Blues will be playing in the Europa Conference League next term, it was seen as a strong end to the season for a side who had been struggling in the bottom half.
Speaking to talkSPORT about Pochettino’s exit while at the King’s World Cup in Mexico, Hazard said: “I was a bit sad, to be fair. I think that he did a great job.
“I know that people want Chelsea to be in the top four but it’s just a season of transition.
“He’s a great manager, I wish him good luck and let’s see who is going to be there in the future.”
Hazard is a real fans’ favourite at Stamford Bridge after playing more than 350 times and scoring 110 goals in a period that saw Chelsea win two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues and an FA Cup.
Having worked under bosses such as Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri, the former Belgian star knows what it takes to be a managerial success in west London.
Hazard was asked about who he would like to see in charge of the Blues, with former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi on the club’s shortlist to take the role.
Asked if De Zerbi would be a good option, Hazard replied: “Maybe.”
He then joked: “I also have my friend in Como, he can be the first manager,” with a cheeky wink as he spoke in jest about his friend and former Chelsea teammate, Cesc Fabregas.
Fabregas has been working as assistant manager with Italian side and has played a key role in helping them earn promotion to Serie A.
While Hazard’s endorsement for the Chelsea job was light-hearted, Fabregas will be hoping to make an impression in the Italian top flight as he looks to carve out a managerial career at the highest level.