Future Chelsea forward Emmanuel Emegha was suspended at Strasbourg during new Blues boss Liam Rosenior's time at the French club, and the two are set to be reunited again at Stamford Bridge
Liam Rosenior speaks
Liam Rosenior has previously called out Emmanuel Emegha during his time at Strasbourg
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New Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has previously disciplined a Blues player during his spell as Strasbourg boss. The French Ligue 1 outfit suspended on-loan Chelsea forward Emmanuel Emegha in December for breaching 'the values, expectations and rules' of the club.
The Dutch striker is set to join Stamford Bridge next summer, having agreed a pre-contract in September 2025. Emegha has a seven-year contract waiting for him when he makes the switch to west London.
And the 22-year-old has already sparked concerns about his discipline before reuniting with Rosenior this summer. Strasbourg announced in early December that they had handed Emegha a one-match ban - a league fixture against Toulouse.
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The club, however, provided no specific reasons for the striker's punishment. The statement read: "Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace has decided to suspend Emmanuel Emegha for its next Ligue 1 match, this Saturday, December 6, in Toulouse.
"This decision was taken following the player's recent failure to respect the club's values, expectations and rules.
"Racing reaffirms its commitment to the essential principles of exemplary conduct and respect for the collective framework.
"Emmanuel remains an important member of our team, who has always given his all for the club on the pitch. He will be reintegrated into the squad after this match. No further comments will be made."
Emmanuel Emegha
Emmanuel Emegha is set to join Chelsea next summer
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When the suspensions were announced, Rosenior attributed them to 'clumsy comments to the press'.
He said: "Emma made some clumsy comments to the press that hurt a lot of people, and he had to be punished for that. He also needs to realise that every action has consequences."
Following Strasbourg's announcement of his suspension, Emegha publicly responded, accepting his punishment.
In an Instagram post, he said: "I accept and understand the club's decision to suspend me for this weekend.
"I'm 22-years-old, I've made mistakes and I know I still have a lot to learn. And I have to learn from this. I know I need to do better, and I will do better, on the pitch and off it, to represent the club. That's important to me.
"I want to make it clear that I never intended to hurt anyone. Since I arrived here at 19, I have always given everything for Strasbourg. I'm proud to play for Racing and I'm proud to wear the captain's armband."
However, Rosenior has supported the player in the past as well. Back in September, when the Dutchman's future switch to Chelsea was announced, sections of the Strasbourg fanbase were left fuming, as many saw it as further proof the club has become a feeder team.
Shortly after the £22m deal was revealed, banners were deployed in the home end of Strasbourg's ground protesting against Emegha and club president Marc Keller. One, directed at Emegha, read: "Apres avoir change de maillot, rends ton brassard" [After changing your shirt, give back your armband].
Rosenior quickly reacted at the time, branding the protest "unacceptable", insisting Emegha had "earned" a transfer to a club of Chelsea's stature. "I was sad when I saw that for one of my players, who's given everything for the club, who deserves to move to a top club," he made clear.
"We're not there yet. Hopefully Strasbourg will be seen in two, three years as a top European club. The reality is at the moment, we're not. We have clubs who are higher up the pecking order than we are.
"Emegha is the heart of the team in the way that he plays. For my young team, I have to protect them because they should be celebrated for what they’re doing, not penalised for it."
Meanwhile, Rosenior will be observing from the stands at Craven Cottage during Chelsea's visit to Fulham on Wednesday. The 41-year-old is set to conduct his first training session on Thursday and select his first team for the FA Cup match against Charlton on Saturday.
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