Image Credits: Imago Images
This January transfer window has been mostly about manager movements so far, with plenty of managers getting the sack and their replacements being lined up.
We have already seen Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim dismissed from their roles at Chelsea and Manchester United respectively, with Chelsea opting to pick up Liam Rosenior from RC Strasbourg – a French club that is owned by BlueCo (who also own Chelsea).
Rosenior’s 18-month spell at Strasbourg proved remarkably successful, steering the club back into European competition for the first time in eight years with a seventh-place Ligue 1 finish. But the Strasbourg fanbase has been vocal in their opposition, with supporters regularly protesting against BlueCo’s “multipropriété” (multi-ownership) model. The concerns are legitimate: when top talent exits the club, does it strengthen Strasbourg or simply feed Chelsea’s ambitions?
The debate does not seem to have affected former Liverpool coach Gary O’Neil however, who has officially now been confirmed as the new Strasbourg manager – replacing the outgoing Rosenior.
The Englishman has been out of work since being sacked by Wolverhampton Wanderers in mid-December 2024. He has been consistently linked to a whole host of clubs since then, but no move has been forthcoming until now. O’Neil’s connection to Liverpool dates back to August 2020, when he was appointed as assistant manager to Barry Lewtas for the Reds’ Under-23 squad.
He will lead his first training session this Thursday and will be on the Racing sideline from Saturday for the trip to Avranches in the Coupe de France:
“I’m excited to get started and proud to be part of this fantastic club,” O’Neil said. “It’s a club with a unique history, incredible passion, resilience, and of course loyal supporters who want to see this team play well and be successful. We have an exciting group of players and clear ambitious objectives for the season. My focus is on working hard with the squad to give everything for the club’s success.”
Meanwhile, Marc Keller, president of Strasbourg said: “I am very happy to welcome Gary O’Neil to Racing. He is a demanding and recognised coach, with a modern approach to football that is fully part of the continuity of our sports project.”
READ MORE: Luis Enrique Liverpool twist emerges
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.