Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has all but confirmed his switch to Chelsea.
Rosenior revealed in a press conference on Tuesday morning that he has agreed to join Strasbourg’s sister club and now just needs to sign a contract.
It comes after Chelsea and Enzo Maresca decided to part ways on New Year’s Day.
Liam Rosenior confirms he will become Chelsea manager
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In the meantime, Calum McFarlane will continue managing the Blues until Rosenior is ready to take over. He was able to guide the team to a 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend.
Calum McFarlane Interim manager / head coach of Chelsea celebrates
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Liam Rosenior tells Strasbourg they’re not on the same level as Chelsea
In the end, Rosenior could simply not turn down the chance to manage Chelsea, who are on a completely different level to Strasbourg, according to the 41-year-old.
In his press conference, which has been shared by BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella and others, he said: “The reality is Strasbourg is not on the level of Chelsea. It will grow in the future and I hope the fans will see that.
“I hope they will be proud in a way that their coach has been given the chance to be the manager of the Club World Cup champions but still it is difficult to leave.”
Liam Rosenior is unproven in the Premier League 😬
Derby – 12 games, 58% WIN
Hull City – 78 games, 35% WIN
Strasbourg – 63 games, 49% WIN
Are Chelsea making a mistake in bringing him over from Strasbourg?
Liam Rosenior managing Strasbourg
Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images
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Rosenior has not told any lies here. Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world and proved that last summer after winning the Club World Cup.
Whether he had to compare the world champions to Strasbourg, though, is another matter. It will do him no favours on his way out of the French team.
Strasbourg Head Coach Liam James Rosenior reacts
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Strasbourg supporters have been unhappy with BlueCo’s activities all season, and this will only add to their discontent. Rosenior has probably made himself a target for them now, along with Emanuel Emegha and the club’s owners.
Rosenior had to defend Emegha after it was announced that he would be leaving Strasbourg for Chelsea.
The announcement infuriated Strasbourg fans, who started displaying banners condemning their striker.
After Rosenior’s latest comments, it would not be a surprise if he received the same treatment. You have to feel for Strasbourg, with Chelsea able to take their manager and players at any time.
That being said, they may not have had a talented coach like Rosenior or gifted footballer such as Emegha in the first place had they not been owned by BlueCo.
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