The new Chelsea head coach was confirmed on Tuesday, with Liam Rosenior replacing Enzo Maresca; Liverpool already has first-hand experience of his habit of developing young talent
13:43, 06 Jan 2026Updated 13:43, 06 Jan 2026
Liam Rosenior
Tyler Morton has given his verdict on Liam Rosenior's coaching style(Image: Getty Images)
Arne Slot will come up against a new face in the Chelsea dugout when the Blues travel to Anfield later this season.
Chelsea will actually be the penultimate visitors to Liverpool, with May’s clash likely to be crucial in determining which side secures a top-four place. Rosenior’s appointment at Chelsea, which comes after Enzo Maresca left the club on New Year’s Day, will therefore have a significant bearing on Liverpool’s fortunes.
Despite playing 141 times in the Premier League as a player and coaching two English clubs, many will be unaware of Rosenior’s playing style and approach as a head coach.
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When hiring the 41-year-old, who joins from Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg, the Blues referenced Rosenior’s ability to “build teams with a clear way of playing,” adding there will be a continued "focus on player development."
In this regard, Liverpool already has some experience with Rosenior’s methods. In fact, the former Fulham defender's belief in developing players was key in Liverpool sending Tyler Morton to Hull City for the 2023/24 season.
The midfielder, who signed for Lyon last summer, represented Hull 43 times and believes Rosenior played a key role in his progression. “I didn’t have too many expectations coming here,” Morton told The Athletic of his year working under the now Chelsea boss.
Tyler Morton enjoyed a superb campaign at Hull two years ago
Tyler Morton enjoyed a superb campaign at Hull two years ago(Image: Getty Images)
“I was just dying to get out and prove the ability I’ve got and show the development I’d had in the last season with Blackburn.
“I couldn’t be happier with how it’s gone. The manager has done so much for me. He’s pushed me on, played me in both roles (No. 6 and No. 8) to show I’ve got the versatility. He’s a fantastic manager. I didn’t know too much before I came here, but I’ve learned so much off him. His style of play is perfect for me.”
Fabio Carvalho's verdict
Fabio Carvalho also joined Hull on loan from Liverpool during the 2023-24 season, scoring nine goals in 20 Championship games. Speaking to The Yorkshire Post, he said on playing under Rosenior: "I played against Derby when Liam was the assistant, and I scored. He said, 'I know you,' and I'm, like, 'What do you mean?' He said, 'You played against me, you scored, and I had to make up a whole plan to stop you and Mika.'
"I started laughing. It was one of the first things he said to me. We just clicked. I speak to him a lot, and he speaks to me a lot, and we've got a good bond going. I feel like every player, starting or not starting, can go to him and speak about anything.
"It’s easy to relate to him. One thing he said stuck with me. He said you have to go to a club where you're excited about training, about learning. I thought I hadn't had that for a long time."
What has Liam Rosenior said about joining Chelsea?
Meanwhile, Rosenior has also highlighted the need to challenge for silverware this season, in addition to developing young talent.
“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of Chelsea Football Club," he told the club's website after his appointment was confirmed. “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.
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“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.”