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John Terry backs ‘top’ manager to eventually take over at Chelsea or Arsenal

Originally posted on HITC | By Will Butcher | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 9:17 AM ET

Liam Rosenior hasn’t been at Chelsea long, but despite last night’s loss, he’s made a solid start with six wins in his first eight games – both defeats coming against Arsenal.

There’s been plenty of debate about how Rosenior set up for the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, aiming to keep Arsenal quiet before bringing on Cole Palmer to chase a goal after the break.

Looking back, it didn’t pay off, but had Chelsea scored, there’d have been a very different conversation. Even Steven Gerrard felt Rosenior got his tactics right overall. Still, there are doubters.

Chelsea managers don’t tend to stick around for long – just ask Graham Potter or Enzo Maresca, who only lasted 18 months. John Terry thinks he knows who might be a good fit down the line though.

John Terry backs Cesc Fabregas as future manager for Chelsea or Arsenal

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John Terry has recently been involved in the Icon Series, playing for England against a Rest of the World side that featured big names like Gareth Bale, Gianfranco Zola, and Gabriel Batistuta.

As part of the event, Terry was asked to select an all-time XI featuring players from both clubs. One of the choices he had to make was between the Arsenal and Chelsea versions of Cesc Fabregas.

Terry went with the Arsenal version and took it a step further by predicting that Fabregas could end up managing one of those clubs someday. The Spaniard is currently making headlines as manager of Como in Serie A.

Speaking on Icon Series’ TikTok, Terry said: “The Fabregas of Arsenal because of the time he spent there. But that year I played with him and we won the league under Conte, honestly, I think he’s got the best football brain I’ve been around and seen.

“The way he understands football, and there’s no coincidence why he’s doing so well at Como. I think he’s going to be a top, top manager and one day, he manages a Chelsea or an Arsenal at the top level.”

Fabregas delivers praise to Liam Rosenior after Chelsea’s cup defeat

Fabregas has already spoken highly of Rosenior since his appointment, despite being Chelsea’s third manager in 12 months following the sackings of Mauricio Pochettino and Enzo Maresca.

“If you look at the characteristics that they have as a squad, and a club, it suits him a lot. I like what I see so far from Liam,” said Fabregas in an interview with FIVE UK.

“I’m hearing great things about how he is as a coach as well, so let’s give him time, but so far so good.”

Chelsea fans might not be fully convinced by Rosenior yet, but even Terry and Fabregas have thrown their support behind him.

He’s only just walked through the door at Stamford Bridge too. Not every manager hits the ground running like Carlo Ancelotti did.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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