Liam Rosenior confirmed that he is set to be named Chelsea's new head coach in a press conference. Speaking before news of any announcement or official statement from the Blues, the Englishman held a briefing in Strasbourg and announced that he will be heading to Stamford Bridge.
The 41-year-old will replace Enzo Maresca in the west London hotseat, having impressed while in charge of Chelsea’s sister club, Strasbourg. Maresca, who won two trophies during his first season in charge of the Blues last term, left his role on New Year’s Day following a behind-the-scenes falling out with the board. Chelsea were sat fifth in the table at the time of his departure, with Maresca turning his back on a multi-million-pound pay-off by walking away from the job.
"It looks like I'm going to be the next manager of that football club," Rosenior said. He confirmed that he had interest from other Champions League clubs but joining Chelsea was "an opportunity I cannot turn down".
Speaking in France, Rosenior said: "I haven't signed yet but I have agreed it verbally with Chelsea. It is all agreed and will probably go through in the next few hours. I am here because it felt right to answer your questions physically here today.
"I was given permission to speak to one of the biggest sporting clubs in the world.
"The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career. I have met some incredible people and created some incredible memories and made history. None of that happens without the investment of our ownership and hard work of our president.
"I have had interest from many clubs, including Champions League clubs, which I have always been open with to [our president] Marc [Keller] and our ownership. I will love this club for the rest of my life but I cannot turn down Chelsea."
Rosenior confirmed that he will be bringing assistants Kalifa Cisse and Justin Walker with him to Chelsea and explained: "I haven't signed yet, I have agreed verbally with Chelsea. It's really important, this is different to anything anyone has ever done - nobody has made a statement before they have signed a contract.
"Everything is agreed and it will probably go through in the next few hours. 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."
Strasbourg's head of analysis, Ben Warner, will also leave the Ligue 1 side to join Rosenior at Stamford Bridge.