Liam Rosenior confirms he will become new Chelsea boss
Liam Rosenior will replace Enzo Maresca at Chelsea
Liam Rosenior has told a press conference in Strasbourg that he has a verbal agreement in place with Chelsea and he will be the Premier League club’s new head coach.
The 41-year-old said no contract has been signed but Chelsea are expected to confirm the move later today following talks over the weekend in London.
Both Strasbourg and Chelsea are owned by BlueCo, paving the way for a smooth transition for Rosenior to replace Enzo Maresca, who was sacked on New Year’s Day.
“It looks like I’m going to be the next manager of that football club [Chelsea],” Rosenior said this morning.
“I haven’t signed yet, I have agreed verbally with Chelsea. It’s really important, this is different to anything anyone has ever done – nobody has made a statement before they have signed a contract.
“Everything is agreed and it will probably go through in the next few hours. I’m here because I care about this club and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on.”
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Remarkable rise to prominence for Rosenior
Rosenior joined Strasbourg in 2024 after spells as head coach at Hull and Derby and leaves with the Alsace club seventh in the Ligue 1 standings after a run of five league games without a win. They are, however, through to the knockout stages of the Conference League.
He added: “The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career. I have met some incredible people and created some incredible memories and made history.
“None of that happens without the investment of our ownership and hard work of our president.
“I have had interest from many clubs, including Champions League clubs, which I have always been open with to [our president] Marc [Keller] and our ownership.
“I will love this club for the rest of my life but I cannot turn down Chelsea. Being Chelsea coach is an unbelievable opportunity at an incredible club, the world champions. I can go home, see my kids, sign for a magnificent club. I can’t turn down this opportunity”.
Rosenior to build on platform left by Maresca
Maresca left Chelsea after a tempestuous end to his 19 months in charge at the Premier League club.
The Italian was booed by supporters during the 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth on December 30, which extended the Blues’ poor league run to one win in nine matches and left them 15 points behind leaders Arsenal. Interim boss Calum McFarlane led the side for Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City.
“With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track,” Chelsea said.
In cryptic remarks after Chelsea’s 2-0 home win over Everton on December 13, Maresca said the preceding 48 hours had been “the hardest” since he joined the club “because so many people didn’t support me and the team.”
The 45-year-old said his comments were not about fans but has refused to elaborate on them or clarify the subject of his disgruntlement.
Subsequent reports have suggested a break down with the board after Maresca informed them he had held discussions with Manchester City about replacing Pep Guardiola at the Etihad at the end of this season.