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Hazard champions Fabregas's managerial rise, seeing his former Chelsea teammate excel in Italy and backing him for a future at Stamford Bridge.

Fabregas is shining in Italy, guiding Como toward the European zone in Serie A. The club currently occupies sixth place and is only four points from fourth place, which grants access to the Champions League. Since being appointed in July 2024, he has taken the team from Serie B to rubbing shoulders with Italy's best.

Hazard, his former teammate at Chelsea, fully believes Fabregas is destined to become one of the best managers in the world and backs him to, in time, take over the bench at the club where he left his mark in London.

Although Chelsea recently hired Liam Rosenior following Enzo Maresca's departure, Hazard believes Fabregas will end up taking the reins and actively supports that idea.

Hazard said, "I'll be honest, we talked a bit this summer. I told him he is one of the best midfielders in history and that he is also destined to become one of the best managers."

"I explained to him that the time has come for him to return to Chelsea. He joked about it, but I truly believe it. He loves football and knows everything about this role. I am a Chelsea fan, and I want what's best for the club, which is why I dream of seeing him on their bench while I enjoy the show from the stands."

The Belgian also recalled his good relationship with Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge, reflecting on the managers who most impacted him: "It's true, I won a lot with them, Sarri and Ancelotti. A special relationship developed with Sarri; his idea of football is very similar to mine. Although from time to time, I told him his training sessions were boring... It's not a criticism, especially because the results proved him right, just like with Conte. Antonio was incredible; he made us do an infinite number of repetitions."

Fabregas, just 38, with a large part of his managerial career still ahead of him, says he is still learning every day.

"You keep learning," he said last year about his recent lessons. "Day to day, you discover new things and different ways of working. It's a very fast process, and I'm learning a tremendous amount. It's about demanding the maximum from yourself, being open to learning, and listening. You're no longer a player; now it's about analyzing and learning from a different perspective."

Regarding Chelsea, he added, "They have invested a lot in young players, and little by little they are gaining rhythm and learning from their mistakes. I always say young players must make mistakes, but then you must trust them to keep growing and understand what a team is. You can only win with what you have in front of you. They were superior in the Conference League, and they showed it; it was a good season. Now they need to take a step forward in the next campaign."

Fabregas also observes Arteta's Arsenal: "Both teams are doing well, although they are probably at different stages. Arsenal, after six years with Arteta, is trying to build and empower its young players. They have a good structure, although this year they suffered many injuries to key players. Hopefully, what they have been trying to build over these six years will start to bear fruit."

Chelsea faces Wolverhampton this weekend. The Blues currently occupy fifth place, just one point behind Manchester United, the fourth-placed team, as they continue fighting for a spot in the Champions League.

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