John Terry admits frustration after Chelsea snub

John Terry's frustration has come into focus after the former captain revealed he was disappointed not to be involved in the first-team dugout following Enzo Maresca’s departure.

Chelsea turned to Under-21 coach Calum McFarlane on a caretaker basis last month, overseeing a 1-1 draw with Manchester City and a 2-1 defeat at Fulham during a period of managerial uncertainty.

Terry, who currently works part-time as an academy mentor at the club, was not included in the interim setup.

Speaking on the YouTube channel Golf Life, the 45-year-old admitted he felt overlooked.

“I was not annoyed, probably more frustrated because I was certainly part of that 21s group that went over,” Terry said.

“So even if I didn’t take the team — Calum took the team, did really well, got a result — I feel like I should have been part of that.”

Terry has previously stated his ambition to coach Chelsea’s senior side in the future. Between 1998 and 2015, he became the club’s most-capped player in European competition and won five Premier League titles.

Despite maintaining close ties through his academy mentoring role, the decision was taken not to involve him during the transitional phase.

“People have to make decisions,” he added. “Clearly the ownership or whoever made those decisions, the sporting directors, have gone ‘No’, not to include me. I don’t know why.”

Shortly after the caretaker spell, Liam Rosenior was appointed permanent head coach on 6 January. McFarlane was subsequently promoted from the Under-21s to become a full-time assistant with the senior squad.

Having followed Chelsea’s structural reshuffle in recent months, the club hierarchy appear focused on a defined technical pathway rather than symbolic appointments.

However, Terry’s comments highlight the emotional dimension of internal transitions, particularly when club legends remain involved in development roles.

It remains unclear whether his long-term ambition to manage Chelsea will align with the club’s future planning.

Chelsea’s focus remains on stabilising results under Rosenior, with structural clarity now restored. Terry continues in his academy role, though his public ambition to manage the first team may resurface in future cycles. Much will depend on how the club balances heritage with long-term strategic planning.

Should Chelsea lean more heavily on former legends during transitions, or prioritise structural continuity?