Liam Rosenior, who is set to become the new Chelsea manager, previously accused Donald Trump of having an 'evil attitude' towards black people in an open letter. The current Strasbourg boss has reached a verbal agreement to manage the Blues after Enzo Maresca left the club on New Year's Day. Calum McFarlane took charge on a temporary basis and was on the touchline for the draw at Manchester City on the weekend.
Rosenior has since confirmed that he is poised to take over at Chelsea, saying in his latest press conference: "I was given permission to speak to one of the biggest sporting clubs in the world. It looks like I am going to be the next manager of that football club." He described the opportunity as one that he couldn't turn down, explaining he had reached a verbal agreement but was yet to sign on the dotted line.
The move is expected to be completed over the coming days and Rosenior will likely be in the dugout when Chelsea travel to Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round on Saturday night.
It comes more than five years after the former Hull City defender penned a scathing open letter to Trump, which was published by The Guardian at the height of racial tensions in the United States after the killing of George Floyd.
Using a sarcastic tone, Rosenior wrote: "I realise this is an extremely busy time for you between games of golf and tweeting but I hope you may be boosted by a rare and welcome thank you letter from a black man at such an inconvenient moment in the history of the United States of America.
"While all of those 'animals' are rioting and looting in the streets over something as petty and unimportant as justice and equal human rights for black people and who, for some ridiculous reason, seem to be upset at police 'doing their jobs' by applying a little too much physical pressure in apprehending yet another black citizen who subsequently died in their custody – I realised no one has thanked you for the wonderful work you are doing. Keep it up!
"I’m sure a man of your vast intellect may think my sentiment is tinged with a hint of sarcasm but I can assure you my gratitude is genuine, for you have unwittingly become the most influential US president in the history of that great country for all the wrong reasons.
"Thank you for being so open and forthright in your evil attitude and lack of care towards the black population you preside over.
"Thank you for not pandering to the 'politically correct' and even pretending you have any empathy towards anyone who doesn’t look like you or share your outdated, disgraceful, disturbing views on society.
"Thank you for showing us anyone can become president (even you!) and showing us the way forward by (unintentionally) inspiring us to instigate lasting change, not just a peaceful protest backed up by empty clicks of support on social media. This is just the beginning. I promise you."
Rosenior went on to suggest that Trump's 'open hatred' would inspire black people to join together and 'fight this injustice on a systemic level', declaring that 'protests are not enough'.
He added: "You are the wolf in wolf’s clothing we’ve needed for years rather than your predecessors who posed as sheep. You are the reason why my daughters – who are US citizens – ask me: 'Why does the president hate black people?'
"You are the catalyst for our future generations to impact lasting change not only to your corroding country but countries all over the world, including here in the UK.
"You truly mirror the views and ideology of a group of people we must and will overcome. For that Mr President, I sincerely thank you."