Chelsea icon John Terry 'frustrated' after caretaker snub

Chelsea icon John Terry 'frustrated' after caretaker snub

Former Chelsea captain John Terry has admitted he was left "frustrated" after being overlooked for a caretaker role following Enzo Maresca's January departure.

Maresca exited Stamford Bridge after a behind-the-scenes falling out, prompting the club to appoint Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane as interim boss for fixtures against Manchester City and Fulham. McFarlane oversaw a draw away at City and a defeat at Fulham before Liam Rosenior arrived from Strasbourg to take charge on a permanent basis.

Terry, who works two days a month as a mentor within Chelsea's academy structure, was not included in the interim set-up - a decision he has openly questioned.

Speaking to the Golf Life YouTube channel, the 45-year-old said: "Not annoyed, probably more frustrated, because I was certainly part of that Under-21s group that went over.

"So even if I didn't take the team⦠Calum took the team, did really well, got a result out of the game. I feel like I should have been part of that.

"Now listen, people have got to make decisions. I love it when people make decisions and they go 'yes' or 'no'. Clearly the ownership, or whoever made those decisions - the sporting directors - have gone 'no' not to include me, for whatever reason. I don't know why."

In an earlier interview with BBC Sport, Terry admitted: "It's really disheartening, actually. I have interviewed for a few jobs myself and not got them due to my lack of experience as a number one, but having captained Chelsea and my country, I'm not sure you can do much more in terms of leading teams and people.

"I am ready and willing. I don't feel I need to sell John Terry as a manager or a coach or whatever that may be. If someone needs to win football matches, I'm not sure you're going to get anyone better. If you want to carry on losing football matches, then continue what you are doing."

For now, Terry's involvement at Chelsea remains limited to academy mentorship, with minimal contact with the senior squad beyond graduates such as current captain Reece James. He also manages the 26ers in the UK's Baller League, continuing to build experience while waiting for what he believes should be his next opportunity in management.

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