Chelsea appoint Liam Rosenior as new head coach on long-term deal, replacing Enzo Maresca after his abrupt exit.
LONDON: Chelsea have appointed Liam Rosenior as their new head coach on a six-and-a-half-year contract. The 41-year-old replaces Enzo Maresca, who left the club abruptly on New Year’s Day.
Rosenior confirmed the move at a press conference at his current club, Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. He stated he had “verbally agreed” to the move to Stamford Bridge before Chelsea’s official announcement.
“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club,” Rosenior said in a club statement. He described his new role as protecting the club’s unique spirit and proud history of winning trophies.
The Englishman has limited managerial experience, with just three years in charge at Hull City and Strasbourg. He has never coached in the Premier League before.
Rosenior was considered the frontrunner for the job following Maresca’s departure last week. Strasbourg is part of the BlueCo multi-club ownership group, which also controls Chelsea.
He becomes Chelsea’s fourth permanent manager since the BlueCo consortium, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, bought the club in 2022. Rosenior expressed deep feelings for Strasbourg, explaining his desire to announce the news there personally.
“Everything is agreed and it will probably go through in the next few hours,” he told reporters in France. “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.”
Rosenior comes from a footballing family, as his father Leroy was also a player and manager. He acknowledged the intense media scrutiny that awaits him in West London.
“I’m so excited about the future. To be presented with this opportunity to manage a world-class football club is something I’ve always dreamed of,” he added. His playing career included spells at Fulham, Reading, and Hull City.
His coaching journey included a caretaker role at Derby County before managing Hull City for 18 months. He joined Strasbourg in July 2024, guiding them to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.
Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane took temporary charge for Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City. Reports suggest Rosenior’s first match will be Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Charlton Athletic.
Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League, 17 points behind leaders Arsenal. The team has won just once in its last eight league games.
