Chelsea’s pursuit of a new permanent manager has received a significant development, with Como president Mirwan Suwarso confirming the Italian club will not stand in Cesc Fabregas‘s way should the Spanish coach opt to take the job at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues parted ways with Liam Rosenior on Wednesday following five consecutive Premier League defeats, naming Calum McFarlane as interim manager for the remainder of the season. The sacking has prompted Chelsea’s ownership to begin a formal search for a long-term replacement, with Fabregas emerging as one of the leading candidates.
Suwarso addressed the situation directly, making clear that while Como would prefer to retain their manager, the decision ultimately rests with Fabregas himself. “If that makes him happy, that’s him,” Suwarso told City AM. “You want your employees to stay with you for as long as possible, but at the end of the day, we don’t own him, and he’s free to go to Chelsea if he wishes.”
Fabregas, 38, began his coaching career at Como following the conclusion of his playing days — which ended at Chelsea — initially serving as an assistant and caretaker manager before being appointed head coach ahead of the club’s return to Serie A in 2024. Under his guidance, Como have exceeded expectations in their first season back in the top flight, positioning themselves in contention for a Champions League qualifying place.
Beyond his managerial role, Fabregas holds a minority ownership stake in the Como project alongside fellow former Arsenal captain Thierry Henry. Suwarso clarified that a move to Chelsea would not necessarily sever those financial ties, provided Fabregas does not take a role at a competing Italian club. “Business is business; ideas are ideas,” Suwarso said. “We have to see things in a way that makes sense, right? It’s common sense.”
The Como president’s comments suggest the club has contingency mechanisms in place to allow Fabregas to remain a stakeholder even in the event of his departure from the dugout.
Chelsea’s managerial instability has been a defining feature of the Todd Boehly ownership era. Since the American consortium completed their takeover in May 2022, the club have cycled through multiple managers, with Rosenior becoming the latest casualty. A permanent appointment is expected before the start of the 2026-27 season, with Chelsea’s hierarchy under pressure to establish continuity following a turbulent period.
Fabregas spent two spells at Chelsea as a player, making over 100 appearances for the club between 2014 and 2019 and winning the Premier League title in 2015 and the FA Cup in 2018. His familiarity with the club’s culture and structure is understood to be a factor in his appeal as a managerial candidate.
A final decision on Chelsea’s next permanent manager is expected in the summer, with the club likely to assess their end-of-season position before formalising any appointment.
