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Chelsea have named Liam Rosenior, previously the manager of Strasbourg, as their new head coach. The 41-year-old Englishman has signed a contract lasting five and a half years, with an option to extend for an additional season. He takes over from Enzo Maresca, who departed the club on New Year’s Day.
Rosenior will observe Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Fulham at Craven Cottage as a spectator and will lead his first training session on Thursday. His official managerial debut for Chelsea is scheduled for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round match against Charlton Athletic. Reflecting on his new role, Rosenior said, “I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club.” He added, “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.”
Interim Chelsea manager Calum McFarlane mentioned speaking briefly with Rosenior on Monday evening, stating, “I wouldn’t be giving him any advice because he is a really accomplished coach.” He further clarified, “I am here to support him but I won’t be giving him any advice.” Meanwhile, speaking at his final news conference for Strasbourg, Rosenior confirmed he had “agreed verbally” to take charge at Chelsea. He highlighted the significance of this move: “I cannot turn down this opportunity to join an incredible club, incredible squad who are Club World Cup champions.”
Strasbourg and Chelsea both fall under the ownership of BlueCo, a multi-club group led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Rosenior revealed that several members of his Strasbourg coaching staff—Kalifa Cisse, Justin Walker, and Ben Warner—would be joining him at Stamford Bridge. Having been appointed Strasbourg’s manager in July 2024, Rosenior led the club to seventh place in Ligue 1 last season, which secured European football for the first time in eight years. His final match managing Strasbourg was a 1-1 draw at Nice, marking their fifth consecutive league game without a win. At that time, Strasbourg stood seventh in Ligue 1 and were leading in the Conference League.
Reflecting on his tenure at Strasbourg, Rosenior said, “The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career,” and expressed his deep connection to the club: “I will love this club for the rest of my life, but I cannot turn down Chelsea.” Despite never having managed in the Premier League before, the former Fulham and Hull City defender affirmed his readiness: “I would not have accepted the Chelsea job if I was not ready.” He also acknowledged interest from several clubs, “including Champions League clubs,” which he discussed openly with Strasbourg’s president and ownership.
Rosenior’s departure was somewhat unusual as he chose to publicly address the reasons behind his mid-season exit at a news conference held at Strasbourg’s Stade de la Meinau. After traveling to London to finalize an agreement with Chelsea, he returned to France to say farewell to local supporters and journalists. Emotionally, he spoke candidly about his favorite moments with Strasbourg and emphasized his desire to be transparent. Given that both Strasbourg and Chelsea are owned by BlueCo, the move could potentially be delicate if results do not go well. However, Rosenior appeared primarily focused on honoring his time at Strasbourg and embarking on his new challenge with one of “the biggest clubs in the world.
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