Chelsea has officially announced the hiring of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, signing him to a 5½-year contract.
Rosenior previously managed Strasbourg and has also been in charge of Hull City and Derby County. He was in London this week to finalize his move.
The 41-year-old took over as head coach of Strasbourg in July 2024, leading the team to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.
He departs following a 1-1 draw against Nice on Saturday, which marked their fifth consecutive league match without a win. They currently sit seventh in the league and lead in the Conference League.
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Rosenior takes over from Enzo Maresca, who left the role on January 1.
Chelsea managed a 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Sunday, thanks to a last-minute equalizer from Enzo Fernández, placing them fifth in the Premier League.
However, a disappointing streak with only one win in their last seven matches, coupled with Maresca’s remarks that suggested underlying issues, led to his departure. The match against City was managed by under-21 coach Calum McFarlane.
McFarlane confirmed he will oversee Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League match against west London rivals Fulham on Wednesday.
“I am truly humbled and honored to take on the role of Head Coach at Chelsea Football Club. This club has a distinctive spirit and a proud history of success,” Rosenior stated.
“My goal is to uphold that identity and build a team that embodies these values in every match as we strive for more trophies. Being entrusted with this responsibility means everything to me, and I am grateful to everyone involved for the opportunity and trust. I will dedicate myself fully to delivering the success this club deserves.
“I have a strong belief in unity, teamwork, and working for one another, and those principles will be at the core of everything we do. They will serve as the foundation of our success.”
Before his official announcement as Chelsea’s manager, Rosenior held a farewell press conference in France on Tuesday, stating that he hadn’t yet signed a contract with Chelsea.
“It seems like I’m set to become the next manager of [Chelsea],” he remarked.
“While I haven’t signed yet, we have a verbal agreement. This situation is unique since no one has publicly discussed a transfer before signing a contract.
“Everything has been agreed upon, and it will likely be finalized shortly. I am here today because I hold this club dear and felt it was right to address your questions before my transition.”
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Rosenior acknowledged that he had received interest from other “Champions League clubs,” but stated that he couldn’t pass up the chance to manage Chelsea.
“The past 18 months have been the highlight and most fulfilling period of my professional career. I’ve forged incredible bonds with remarkable people and created lasting memories,” Rosenior shared.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the ownership’s investment and the dedication of our president.
“I’ve had interest from various clubs, including Champions League sides, which I’ve always communicated to [our president] Marc [Keller] and our ownership.
“I will cherish this club for life, but I simply could not refuse Chelsea.”
1:29
Could Liam Rosenior succeed at Chelsea?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens discuss Rosenior’s potential as Chelsea’s manager.
Despite his limited experience at the top level, Rosenior is confident in his readiness for the challenges ahead at Chelsea.
“Outside of PSG in France, if Chelsea comes calling, then that coach will likely want the job,” he said.
“I wouldn’t have accepted this role if I didn’t feel prepared.
“There are clubs that you can’t turn down. I hope the fans in Strasbourg can understand that and feel proud of my journey.”
Rosenior expresses sadness over Strasbourg departure
It’s uncommon for a manager to face the media on the verge of leaving a club, but Rosenior made a point to express his fondness for Strasbourg.
“I am thrilled about what lies ahead. I’ve devoted my life to coaching and managing a world-class club,” he said.
“However, it does come with sadness as I leave behind so much. This moment is emotional as it marks my last day as Strasbourg’s manager. This is football.”
Rosenior also confirmed that his assistant coaches, including Kalifa Cisse and Justin Walker, will join him in London.
“I wouldn’t be here without my amazing support staff,” he added.
“I am leaving many talented individuals behind. However, I know that a strong team is coming with me.”
“I have never encountered anyone with as much emotional intelligence as Kalifa [Cisse]. Unfortunately for Strasbourg, he is accompanying me.”
Strasbourg fans lament ‘humiliating decision’
The fan base at Strasbourg has been vocal in their disapproval of the club’s integration into the BlueCo multi-club ownership model.
BlueCo, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, acquired Strasbourg in the summer of 2023, a year after they bought Chelsea.
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Strasbourg captain Emmanuel Emegha expressed his devastation after facing backlash from fans during a 1-0 league victory against Le Havre, following the announcement of his own transfer to Chelsea in 2026.
Fans booed Emegha when he received the Player of the Month award before kickoff.
Supporters from the Ultras Boys displayed a banner at the Stade de la Meinau, which read: “Emegha, pawn of BlueCo. After changing shirts, give back your captain’s armband.”
The match against Nice featured a silent protest from traveling Strasbourg fans holding slogans like “BlueCo Out” and banners that said ‘non à la multipropriété’ (no to multi-ownership).
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Lebouef shares his optimism regarding Rosenior’s appointment at Chelsea.
Insights from Frank Lebouef on why Rosenior is a promising candidate for Chelsea.
Following the announcement of Rosenior’s transition to Chelsea, the supporters’ group Fédération Supporters RCS issued a statement: “The transfer of Liam Rosenior represents another humiliating step in Racing’s subservience to Chelsea. For two and a half years, along with others, we’ve been highlighting this issue.
“The concern goes far beyond immediate sporting implications and the aspirations of a young coach; it is a fundamental issue affecting the future of French club football.”