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Rosenior takes charge at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea have named Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, handing the 41-year-old a five-and-a-half-year contract with an option for an additional season. Rosenior succeeds Enzo Maresca, who departed the club on New Year's Day.
First steps in the role
Rosenior will observe Wednesday's Premier League match against Fulham from the stands at Craven Cottage. His first training session with the squad is scheduled for Thursday, ahead of Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie against Charlton Athletic.
Rosenior's reaction to the appointment
In a statement, Rosenior expressed his pride and commitment to the role. "I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club," he said. "To be entrusted with this role means the world to me, and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job. I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves."
Transition from Strasbourg
Rosenior confirmed his move to Chelsea during his final news conference as Strasbourg manager on Tuesday. "I cannot turn down this opportunity to join an incredible club, an incredible squad who are Club World Cup champions," he stated. Strasbourg, where Rosenior has managed since July 2024, are part of the BlueCo multi-club ownership group, which also includes Chelsea.
Under Rosenior's leadership, Strasbourg finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season, securing European football for the first time in eight years. His final match in charge was a 1-1 draw at Nice on Saturday, capping a five-game winless streak in the league. The team currently sits seventh in Ligue 1 and leads their Conference League group.
Emotional farewell to Strasbourg
Rosenior described his 18 months at Strasbourg as "the best of my professional career." In an unusual move, he held a news conference to explain his departure, addressing reporters at Stade de la Meinau. "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," he said. "I will love this club for the rest of my life, but I cannot turn down Chelsea."
"I would not have accepted the Chelsea job if I was not ready. There are clubs you just cannot turn down. I hope the Strasbourg fans can see that and be proud of that."
Liam Rosenior
Staff and ownership dynamics
Rosenior will be joined at Chelsea by Strasbourg colleagues Kalifa Cisse (first-team coach), Justin Walker (assistant head coach), and Ben Warner (head of analysis). The move is complicated by the shared ownership of both clubs under BlueCo, which could become a point of contention if results do not meet expectations.
Caretaker manager Calum McFarlane, who oversaw Sunday's 1-1 draw at Manchester City, offered his support to Rosenior but declined to provide advice. "I wouldn't be giving him any advice because he is a really accomplished coach," McFarlane said. "I am here to support him but I won't be giving him any advice."
Rosenior's background
A former defender for Fulham and Hull City, Rosenior has never managed in the Premier League. His previous coaching roles include stints at Derby County and Hull City in the Championship. He revealed that he had received interest from other clubs, including Champions League sides, but kept Strasbourg's ownership informed throughout the process.
