Scholes Makes Case for Fabregas as Chelsea's Real Managerial Prize

Paul Scholes has waded into the Chelsea managerial merry-go-round with a pointed observation: the club may have looked in the wrong direction.

The Manchester United legend reckons Cesc Fabregas, currently steering Como to sixth place in Serie A, would have represented a "better choice" than Liam Rosenior for the Stamford Bridge hotseat. It's a bold claim that undercuts Chelsea's decision-making just as Rosenior was being officially confirmed in the role on Tuesday.

Rosenior, the former Hull City boss most recently in charge at Strasbourg, stepped into the void left by Enzo Maresca's exit last month. The Italian departed amid what club insiders described as a "lack of protection and interference leading to critical issues with ownership" – a diplomatic way of saying things got messy.

The new Chelsea chief addressed the media upon his appointment, delivering the full repertoire of managerial platitudes. "I am extremely humbled and honoured," Rosenior began, before pledging his commitment to protecting the club's identity and trophy-winning heritage. He spoke of teamwork, unity, and building connections both on and off the pitch, emphasising his determination to create an environment where everyone pulls in the same direction.

"I believe deeply in teamwork, unity, togetherness and working for one another," he continued, "and those values will be at the heart of everything we do. They will be the foundation of our success."

Rosenior promised to work closely with the squad and coaching staff, stressing his hunger to compete at the highest level. He also made a pointed appeal to the supporters, saying: "I want our fans to be proud of who we are and what we represent in every single game that we play. They are the soul of this enormous, historic and huge football club."

Enter Scholes, who wasn't buying it. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast when asked about potential Manchester United candidates, the Old Trafford icon offered an intriguing alternative take. "Not for United," he said when Fabregas's name came up. "But do you know what? I actually like what he's doing and think he might have been a better choice for Chelsea than Liam Rosenior. But he's not right for Manchester United."

High praise for Fabregas, who has overseen Como's resurgence in Italy's top flight. The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder appears to be building something genuine at the Lombardy club – something that hasn't gone unnoticed by one of English football's sharpest minds.

Meanwhile, Maresca has broken his silence following his departure. The Italian took to Instagram to reflect on his 18-month stint, departing with what he described as "inner peace." He credited the Chelsea faithful for their backing during his tenure, highlighting the Champions League qualification, Conference League victory, and Club World Cup triumph as the highlights of his time in charge.

"I leave with the inner peace of leaving a prestigious club like Chelsea where it deserves to be," Maresca wrote, before thanking the players for their companionship throughout the journey. "I wish everyone who has shared every moment with me every success in this second half of the season and in the future."

A dignified exit, then – even if the circumstances surrounding his departure suggest the relationship between manager and ownership had become increasingly strained.