Cesc Fabregas, the current head coach of Como, is among those being touted for the recently vacated managerial position at Stamford Bridge, despite his somewhat complicated history with Chelsea. The London-based club bid farewell to Enzo Maresca earlier this week, a mere 48 hours following their 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in the Premier League.

While abrupt, it appears the decision was the result of mounting tension between the Italian and Chelsea‘s top brass. Several names have been associated with the role, most notably Liam Rosenior of Strasbourg, due to the shared ownership between the two clubs. However, Como’s Fabregas has also been suggested as a potential successor, given his swift ascent with the Serie A team and his existing ties with Chelsea.

Fabregas is a graduate of Barcelona’s youth academy, but he joined Arsenal at a tender age. He climbed through the ranks in north London and made over 300 appearances across all competitions in the early 2000s.

He eventually returned to Barcelona, where he spent three years before making a comeback to the Premier League, this time donning the Chelsea jersey. His tenure at Stamford Bridge was highly successful, bagging five trophies in the four full seasons he was there. Despite being regarded as a club icon, Fabregas wasn’t initially keen on Chelsea. Having dedicated much of his early career to rivals Arsenal, he has candidly acknowledged that his perspective on the club transformed completely following his 2014 transfer.

Speaking to CBS Sports Kickin’ It last month, he said: “Yes, I disliked Chelsea very much. I always said it and all the fans they know.

“After I said it was one of the best decisions I took in my career because the way I was treated there, how many trophies we won, five trophies in four and a half years. The fans were outstanding with me. Outstanding. I couldn’t be more grateful. We had a great feeling connection straight away.”

Since assuming control of Como in 2024, Fabregas has rapidly emerged as one of football’s most exciting young managers. He has also repeatedly voiced his ambition to coach in the Premier League, even expressing this desire whilst still an active player.

During a 2022 Sky Sports interview, whilst still playing for Como, Fabregas said: “When I become a coach, as I have said, the Premier League has been my league, it is where I played my best football, my best years, where people respect me so much.

“I feel really loved in England and, in the future, I would love [to coach there], why not? I’d love to [be a Premier League manager], 100 per cent. If I can look at a target in some years to come, then definitely, this is in my head.”

The coach reaffirmed his ambitions in 2024, just before taking up the reins at Como. “You never know how the future will go, but I want to be a main coach,” he said in an interview with the Evening Standard.

“I am doing my own way at the moment. 100 per cent my ambition one day is to coach a top club in the Premier League, the Champions League.

“But you need to respect the right steps. I feel I am ready to be a first-team coach already so I don’t really want to go into these types of little coaching on the side or being an assistant.

“I have very clear things in my mind that I just want to be a main coach, a first-team coach, and that’s why I will do my own way until I am ready to jump onto a big train. But for now, there is a long way to go.

“I am just getting started. I feel privileged for the opportunity Como has given me and I am very happy here.”