‘Nobody is more Chelsea’ – John Terry hits back at claim he is not qualified to become next Blues manager

John Terry defended himself on social media after a fan branded him ‘unqualified’ to become Chelsea’s next manager.

While Liam Rosenior is set to take the reigns at Stamford Bridge, Blues icon Terry was among the early names linked with replacing Enzo Maresca following his sudden departure last week.

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Maresca walked away from his role on New Year’s Day as his relationship with the club’s hierarchy reached breaking point.

In the aftermath of this, a number of fans called for Terry to take the vacancy in west London – despite the fact he’s never managed in senior football.

‘JT’ won’t be getting the job just yet, with Strasbourg boss Rosenior flying to London on Sunday to complete the formalities of his Premier League switch.

The ex-Hull boss comes highly-recommended, and with the backing of Chelsea‘s ownership BlueCo – who also own Strasbourg.

But Rosenior’s arrival has divided opinion among the Chelsea faithful, with some continuing to argue Terry’s case.

‘Every qualification going’

In a video circulating on popular fan channel Chelsea Fan TV, one Blues supporter called for the legendary former captain to be appointed interim manager until the end of the season.

This view wasn’t shared by everyone, though, as another fan took to the comments to claim Terry is ‘unqualified’ for the role.

The comment found its way to Terry, who defended himself by insisting he possesses the experience to step up to the plate.

He wrote: “I have every qualification going, I have three years coaching experience in the Premier League with Aston Villa.

“On top of that nobody is more Chelsea than me, for us to be top again we need a top manager as yes that would rule me out but please don’t say I’m under qualified!”

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Terry enjoyed an illustrious 19-year career at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League five times and the Champions League in 2012.

He retired in 2018 after spending a season at Aston Villa, before spending three years as Dean Smith’s assistant at Villa Park.

In 2023, Terry returned to Chelsea to coach the club’s academy and remains in the role currently.

However, he has been open in his ambitions to step into senior management, but has had no luck until now.

He recently ruled himself out of contention for the Oxford United vacancy, despite previously opening up on his tough experiences of being overlooked for roles as he looks to forge a managerial career.

Opening up on a past failed interview with Sunderland, Terry told talkSPORT in May: “I’ve got something to give. I’m not trying to be a Premier League manager overnight.

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“I’d done my groundwork with Dean Smith at Aston Villa. I’ve done all my badges.

“I’ve got everything. I’m ready to go. And to hear that was a little bit disheartening, to be honest.”

What is the managerial situation at Chelsea?

Terry’s social media comments came just as the Blues appear set to formalise Rosenior’s arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The 41-year-old is expected to instantly take the reins imminently but it remains to be seen whether he’ll be in the dugout for Chelsea’s clash at home to Fulham on Wednesday night.

Rosenior immediately emerged as the favourite to succeed Enzo Maresca in SW6 following his New Year’s Day exit.

This is largely due to his impressive work at Strasbourg – who have the same owners as Chelsea – leading them to a seventh-place Ligue 1 finish last season to qualify for Europe for the first time in six years before making a fine start to this year.

The Alsace outfit topped the league phase of the Europa League Conference League as one of only two unbeaten teams.