The Blues have confirmed the decision to relieve Rosenior of his duties following the 3-0 loss at Brighton on Tuesday, which inflicted further damage on Chelsea's Champions League hopes
17:23, 22 Apr 2026Updated 17:46, 22 Apr 2026
Liam Rosenior
Chelsea has confirmed Liam Rosenior has been sacked following the 3-0 loss to Brighton
Chelsea has confirmed the decision to sack head coach Liam Rosenior in the wake of Tuesday's 3-0 defeat to Brighton.
The Blues suffered a fifth consecutive Premier League loss without scoring for the first time since 1912 and did not even manage a shot on target at the Amex.
Rosenior described the performance as "unacceptable" and claimed major changes would be made ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Leeds. However, it's the head coach, rather than the players, that the axe has fallen upon. Reports have suggested that decision will cost the club around £24 million ($32M)
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"On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club," Chelsea said in an official statement.
"Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.
"This has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season. Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future."
Liam Rosenior apologizes to the Chelsea fans
Rosenior slammed Chelsea's unacceptable performance in the defeat to Brighton
The club that Calum McFarlane will continue as interim head coach until a new long-term appointment can be made after a "a process of self-reflection."
McFarlane will be in charge when Chelsea travels to Anfield on May 9, a game that for much of the season looked set to be a decisive fixture in the race for the Champions League places.
But the Blues' diabolical run of form means that now looks unlikely. They have dropped to seventh, seven points behind Liverpool having played a game more, and that picture will almost certainly look bleaker given most sides play twice in the Premier League before Chelsea's next game against Nottingham Forest on May 4.
Liam Rosenior looks on ruefully after Chelsea concede
Chelsea lost to Brighton as it lost further ground in the race for the Champions League places
Even more galling for the club, Rosenior signed a six-and-a-half year deal in January when he replaced Enzo Maresca, who guided the side to Conference League and Club World Cup success last year.
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Speaking after the shambolic performance against Brighton, Rosenior told Sky Sports: "I keep coming out and defending the players. That was indefensible, the performance tonight.
"The manner of the goals we conceded, the number of duels we lost, the lack of intensity in the team. Something needs to change drastically right now.
"We need to look in the mirror. I need to look in the mirror. I can’t keep coming out here defending some of the things we are seeing."