Softfootball understands that Chelsea are set to announce Liam Rosenior as their new head coach after the 41-year-old verbally agreed to take over from Enzo Maresca, who departed on New Year’s Day following a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.
Speaking at a press conference in Strasbourg today, as reported by sport expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, Rosenior admitted the move was a deeply emotional one. He described the chance to manage the reigning world champions as an unbelievable opportunity.
He said:
Liam Rosenior: 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. These 18 months at Strasbourg have been my best time.
Rosenior, who has yet to sign a formal contract but has agreed to terms with Chelsea’s leadership, is expected to take charge for the FA Cup third-round tie against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
In the meantime, Calum McFarlane, Chelsea’s U21 head coach, will manage Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Fulham, having previously overseen a 1–1 draw against Manchester City.
Reflecting on his 18 months at Racing Strasbourg, Rosenior described it as the best 18 months of his professional career. He led the Ligue 1 side to a seventh-place finish in 2024–25, their best in decades, and established a high-pressing, progressive style that attracted attention across Europe.
Despite interest from other Champions League clubs, he said the Chelsea role was one he simply couldn’t refuse. Rosenior also dismissed suggestions that the move was automatic due to BlueCo ownership, insisting that the appointment reflected recognition of the work he had built at Strasbourg.
The new Chelsea manager is expected to bring key members of his Strasbourg staff to Stamford Bridge, including assistants Khalifa Cisse and Justin Walker, along with head of analysis Ben Warner. This continuity is seen as vital for implementing his philosophy while aligning with BlueCo’s long-term vision.
Known for his controlled possession-based style and high pressing, ranked sixth-best in Ligue 1 this season, Rosenior is likely to continue Chelsea’s youth-focused approach, a hallmark of Maresca’s final team, which was the youngest Premier League starting XI this season.
His first big challenges will be the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, followed by a Premier League trip to Brentford, with fans and pundits eager to see how he blends youth development with the pressure for instant results.
