Liam Rosenior has been announced as the new manager of Chelsea (Image: Getty)
Chelsea have announced Liam Rosenior as their new head coach a matter of days after sacking Enzo Maresca. Rosenior, 41, confirmed he had verbally agreed a deal to takeover at Stamford Bridge in what turned out to be his final press conference as manager of Strasbourg.
However, the news has been officially confirmed by the west Londoners. Rosenior had flown in for talks with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart not long after Chelsea drew 1-1 away against Manchester City. The decision has been a fast-moving one, although the Blues' U21s manager Calum McFarlane is expected to remain in his post for the away clash against Fulham tomorrow evening.
An official statement from the club said: "Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Liam Rosenior as head coach of the men’s team. The Englishman has signed a contract with the club that will take him through to 2032.
"Rosenior arrives at Stamford Bridge after coaching overseas with RC Strasbourg, where he led the French club to European qualification for the first time in 19 years in his first season, and following earlier roles in England with Hull City and Derby County."
In his first words as Chelsea manager, Rosenior also said: "I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of Chelsea Football Club. This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies. My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play as we continue winning trophies.
"To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job. I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves.
Rosenior leaves Strasbourg 7th in Ligue 1 and top of the Europa Conference League (Image: Getty)
"I believe deeply in teamwork, unity, togetherness and working for one another, and those values will be at the heart of everything we do. They will be the foundation of our success.
"I am excited to work with this extremely talented group of players and staff, to build strong connections on and off the pitch, and to create an environment where everyone feels united and driven by the same goal. There is a real hunger to win, and I will give everything, every single day, to help this team compete and win at the very highest level to make everyone connected and proud to be a part of Chelsea Football Club.
"I want our fans to be proud of who we are and what we represent in every single game that we play. They are the soul of this enormous, historic and huge football club. I cannot wait to meet you all. I cannot wait to get started."
His first match as manager looks set to be Chelsea's FA Cup away clash to Charlton Athletic this weekend.