Tom Weber
Tom Weber
Updated: 6 Jan 2026 16:05 GMT
4 min read
Gary O'Neil
© IMAGO
Former Wolves manager Gary O'Neil has agreed to take charge of Strasbourg following Liam Rosenior's appointment as Chelsea head coach.
The Alsatians have endured some unwanted and unexpected coaching turmoil in recent days due to the explosive departure of Enzo Maresca from BlueCo sister club Chelsea on 1 January.
The Italian quit his role as tensions boiled over, leaving the Blues scrambling for a new head coach. Naturally, Rosenior was the obvious choice to replace the 45-year-old.
The Englishman, though still relatively inexperienced, has joined Chelsea after 18 successful months at Strasbourg, where he embraced the distinct local culture and led the storied club into Europe. Rosenior leaves with Racing top of the Conference League and seventh in Ligue 1.
His departure hasn't been without controversy, however. Strasbourg's most vocal supporters have described BlueCo's decision to move Rosenior to Chelsea as "humiliating" and as further proof that their club has become "subservient" to the English giants.
O'Neil agrees to take Strasbourg job
Former New York Red Bulls defender Damien Perrinelle, currently an assistant at Monaco, has been linked with the Strasbourg job, but BlueCo have decided to stick with the English formula.
According to various reliable outlets, former Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has verbally agreed to replace Rosenior in Alsace. Sky Sports reports that his appointment is set to be finalised today.
Gary O'Neil
© IMAGO - Gary O'Neil
The 42-year-old has been out of work since leaving Wolves in December 2024. He was in talks to return to the Molineux side when his successor Vitor Pereira was sacked, but no agreement could be reached.
O'Neil will be aware that the Strasbourg job is a potential powder keg, with fans once again calling for club president Marc Keller to resign following Rosenior's move to Chelsea. This was already the case when Emmanuel Emegha's 2026 transfer to the Blues was announced.
The new coach will have to learn to shield his players from the wrath of the club's outspoken fan groups. Rosenior previously condemned the lack of support when Strasbourg fans opted not to chant out of protest against BlueCo's ownership.
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