Chelsea have finally announced Liam Rosenior’s appointment, and the new head coach has said his first words to the fans.
It was expected that the new hire would be announced today, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that talks with Rosenior were in final stages late last night.
It was a relatively quick turnaround — more of an employee transfer than a hiring process — and now the real work can begin.
Liam Rosenior confirms he will become Chelsea manager
Your initial thoughts on our new manager?
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That work will be geared towards one goal, which Rosenior has made crystal clear in his first statement at the helm at Stamford Bridge.
Liam Rosenior speaks only about winning and trophies at Chelsea
In a rather unorthodox development, Rosenior announced his departure from Strasbourg in his press conference this morning.
In that, he talked a lot about his time at Strasbourg, making some comments about the enormity of the Chelsea job that’s sure to spark mixed emotions in Alsace.
But his first statement published to the Chelsea website points to his focus now fully being on the job ahead in London.
He says: “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.
Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior clapping
Photo by Sathiri Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
“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.”
Rosenior understands the magnitude of the role he is stepping into, and what is expected of any coach who represents Chelsea.
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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Chelsea club statement explains their Rosenior decision
As well as Rosenior, the club attached their own thoughts in the official statement.
They explain why bringing in the Strasbourg manager is the right choice for what the club want to achieve.
It reads: “Liam has shown that he can build teams with a clear way of playing while setting the highest standards with players on and off the pitch. While there will continue to be a focus on player development, the Club’s expectations and ambitions remain high.
“Liam has the ability to get the best out of this squad quickly and joins us with the responsibility and the backing to ensure Chelsea continues to compete at the top level in all competitions this season and in seasons to come. Welcome to Chelsea, Liam!”
All positives to take from the club’s communications, but seeing it in practice on the pitch is all that’s really going to matter. Let’s hope Rosenior can hit the ground running in his new role.
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