“It’s a mess” – Emmanuel Petit tells Fabregas to snub Chelsea and names another club as job that makes sense for him

Emmanuel Petit has warned Cesc Fabregas against taking the managerial role at Chelsea, telling the Como boss the west London club is a ‘nightmare’ for managers.

Just less than four months into 2026, Chelsea have parted ways with two managers, with Liam Rosenior being the latest to be axed from the position.

Fabregas has emerged as one of the most sought-after managers in European football following his outstanding work at Como. The former midfielder guided the Italian club to a ninth-placed finish on their return to the Serie A last season. He has picked up from there and is on the verge of taking them to their first-ever Champions League campaign, with the club currently fifth in the table.

Speaking to Andy’s Bet Club, Petit advised Fabregas to snub Chelsea, suggesting that a move to Barcelona would make sense for the Spaniard.

“Cesc Fabregas to Chelsea? No, no, no. If you have to choose between Chelsea and Barcelona, definitely you go to Barcelona, not Chelsea. Chelsea is a mess. It’s a mess,” Petit said. “It’s a nightmare for managers, it’s kind of a nightmare as well for the players, actually. You will find more serenity even if you will face a lot of pressure, at Barcelona.”

The Frenchman added that joining Barcelona would provide Fabregas the opportunity to compete for LaLiga every single season as well as the Champions League.

“But he’ll have the chance to be present in La Liga every single season to win the title over there, but as well you have the chance to compete at the highest level in the Champions League, too,” Petit continued. “Fabregas going back to Barcelona would make sense. I think Spanish managers are probably the best actually on the market: Pep Guardiola, Unai Emery, Xabi Alonso, Luis Enrique, and Fabregas.”

Interestingly, Fabregas represented both clubs during his playing days. The 38-year-old came through the ranks at Barca and played for their senior team between 2011 and 2014 before joining the Blues.

Fabregas expresses desire to coach Chelsea one day

While Petit may have urged Fabregas against managing Chelsea, the former Barcelona and Arsenal man has openly expressed his desire to coach the Blues one day.

In a recent interview, Fabregas reminisced about his time at Stamford Bridge, saying he wished he had started his career there. He added that the west London club gave him what was difficult for him to get at Arsenal.

“I was so loved at Chelsea that I started wishing I had started my career there,” he said. Chelsea gave me what was difficult for me to get at Arsenal. No disrespect to Arsenal, I love them too, because that’s where Chelsea noticed me. I’m happy I was able to win trophies with Chelsea, not just play for them. Hopefully, one day I’ll be a coach at one of those two clubs. It’s a dream for me.”

During his time with the Blues, Fabregas registered 79 goal contributions in 198 appearances across all competitions.