The inside story of how Chelsea chose Liam Rosenior above anyone else in their pursuit of a new head coach following the dramatic departure of Enzo Maresca last week
16:46, 06 Jan 2026
Liam Rosenior
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Liam Rosenior has been appointed the new Chelsea head coach(Image: Elyxandro Cegarra)
From Chelsea's point of view, it was a relative no-brainer who would be replacing Enzo Maresca. After the dramatic break up between the Blues and their former head coach was announced on New Year's Day, the west London club had already started contingency planning.
A few options were considered but the one that always seemed standout was Liam Rosenior. Having worked at Strasbourg, who are owned by BlueCo, for just under 18 months, Rosenior has already worked with the sporting directors and ownership group.
The 41-year-old coach has a close working relationship with Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, Chelsea's two sporting directors, and that played an enormous role in the club's decision. Rosenior, who has signed a five-and-a-half year contract - with the option of a further 12 months - at Stamford Bridge, is seen as someone who has the leadership qualities and personality to lead the young squad.
The former Hull City manager has a similar playing style to Maresca; controlled in possession with defensive stability, with Chelsea chiefs believing that will help make the transition smoother. Rosenior likes his players to be connected both on and off the pitch and is understood to be keen on building a similar connection with the supporters. The former England Under-21 international wants to embrace the Chelsea fan base in order to get everyone involved and use the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge as a weapon.
Part of what started the Maresca downfall at Chelsea was the former head coach's relationship with the club's medical department, which became fractured when the Italian ignored expert advice on his usage of players. Senior figures at the club believe Rosenior has a strong record of working within a similar structure and are confident he can get the best out of his new players in that regard.
Chelsea's interim head coach Calum McFarlane, who will take tomorrow evening's Premier League trip to Fulham, believes it will be a "smooth transition" for Rosenior and the Under-21s boss is looking forward to working with him closely.
"I think it will be a smooth transition," said McFarlane on Tuesday. "I think the lads are in a really good place. I've mentioned loads of times the level they have shown this year and it is just about getting that on the most consistent basis possible.
"I think Liam is really excited to take this job and he will have the full faith and we have to back him fully that he will come in and it will be a really smooth transition."
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Rosenior is expected to watch from the stands at Craven Cottage on Wednesday and is set to take charge of Chelsea for the first time on Saturday evening as the Blues take on Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round.