By Francis Onyach - Reporter
November, 21 2025 - John Terry, Chelsea's legendary former captain, has declared that managing Chelsea is his ultimate footballing dream, even as he acknowledges the unlikelihood of it happening soon. After a decorated career and significant coaching experiences, Terry remains driven by his ambition and commitment to the club where he built his legacy.
Terry describes managing Chelsea as his “one last dream to achieve,” having accomplished nearly everything else at the club, from captaining the team to Champions League and Premier League glory.
Despite returning to Chelsea as an academy coach in 2023, he insists that graduating into the senior managerial role is what he still craves. “For me now, the one thing that is missing is being the manager of the football club, hence why I went into coaching after I finished,” he explained.
After retiring from a successful playing career, Terry served as an assistant manager at Aston Villa and Leicester City. He left Villa with the aim of becoming a “No. 1,” but opportunities in senior management have so far eluded him, with clubs like Bournemouth and Bristol City opting for others.
Terry has spoken openly about the challenges: “It doesn’t give you the right to just go into management at a certain level; you have to learn and understand what it takes.”
While Terry values the tactical side of coaching, he admits his true strengths lie in leadership—a skill honed over two decades leading players on and off the pitch. He expressed: “I never saw myself as an unbelievable coach, but I would get better coaches around me and then I'd like to lead like I did, the dressing room and the team.”
Terry believes his experience as a player alongside some of the best managers in football, such as José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, has prepared him for senior management. Yet, he remains realistic about the competitive nature of the top jobs.
Terry recently reflected on England’s squad, highlighting its blend of youth and experience as a sign of promise for the 2026 World Cup. He regards it as “the best opportunity that we’re going to have,” showing his connection and optimism for English football.
Though Terry admits “I’m not sure it ever happens,” the dream of leading Chelsea continues to motivate him. As he builds his resume and coaches the next generation at Chelsea, supporters and pundits watch closely to see if the club icon’s final ambition can one day be fulfilled.
