Raheem Sterling says the next Chelsea head coach must have “the final say on everything” amid optimism a deal will be concluded with Mauricio Pochettino.
Pochettino and Chelsea are currently negotiating the final details of his contract.
Chelsea remain confident a deal will be agreed and Pochettino is said to be excited about the challenge at Stamford Bridge, despite their run of six successive defeats.
Frank Lampard will remain in charge for the rest of the season but Sterling says the next permanent boss must have full control at Chelsea.
“I’m not one to tell the club what to do but from what I can gauge from where I was previously, organisation is the most important thing,” Sterling told Sky Sports.
“Having a manager that has the final say on everything and it being his way with everyone having to follow that.
“Successful teams always have a manager that comes in, brings his blueprint and everyone follows. If there are people that don’t follow, then they are not part of the team and that is how brutal it needs to be at a high level.
“It’s a fine line between winning, coming second and being in the position we are now. It’s about everyone being on the same page from my experience."
Sterling has endured a difficult time since his £47.5million move from Manchester City and admits this season at Chelsea has been “one of the lowest points” of his career.
“Personally, this is one of the lowest points in my career," he said. “This might sound a bit weird, but it is also a great learning curve.
“It’s been pretty smooth sailing winning, winning and winning but sometimes in life stuff gets thrown at you and it is a challenge that I’m looking forward to, hitting it head on and not trying to hide from it.
“It will only make me stronger and also the group stronger. These challenges, not in just football but life as well, it’s crucial to how we deal with things and how we kick on after.”
