Chelsea have moved on Liam Rosenior just months after hiring him with results deemed unacceptable as the Blues hierarchy adopt a new approach to their next manager
Chelsea have axed Liam Rosenior after only four months
Chelsea have axed Liam Rosenior after only four months
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Liam Rosenior was sacked as Chelsea boss after just 106 days. Chelsea will put Calum McFarlane in charge until the end of the season when they will make a permanent appointment.
But the axe came down on Rosenior less than 24 hours after Chelsea’s defeat at Brighton which was their fifth straight league defeat without scoring a goal. Rosenior then spoke out against the players which put him on collision course with the dressing room with the club running out of time to save their season. Club co-owner Behdad Eghbali was at Brighton to hear the chants against the club hierarchy and the manager which then forced their hand.
There were intense discussions at the club’s training ground on Wednesday and it was deemed the results have simply not been good enough. Chelsea are in serious danger of missing out on the Champions League and also have an FA Cup semi final against Leeds on Sunday.
They have taken the decision now to try and push for an upturn but are adamant that they are not in active discussions with a new manager and will only consider candidates at the end of the season. It is understood that the club was reluctant to make the change and they believe negotiations have been amicable and the parting was done on good terms.
Incredibly, Rosenior was not even four months into a six and a half year contract and players and staff were told of the decision before the announcement was made public. Rosenior has earned praise at the club for the way he has conducted himself and also formed relationships with staff.
But they are likely to go for a more experienced and top level coach at the end of the season with former Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas an early bookies’ favourite but he was ruled out in January.
Chelsea accept they need to get a big name manager - with Cesc Fabregas among the favourites
Chelsea accept they need to get a big name manager - with Cesc Fabregas among the favourites(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Fans are already pushing for a bigger name after they sacked Enzo Maresca in January despite him delivering the Club World Cup, a European trophy and also Champions League.
McFarlane took over on a temporary basis after Maresca and actually steered Chelsea to a draw at Manchester City before Rosenior came in and promoted the ex-youth coach to his first team staff. The hope is now that he can lift the mood and save their season in the FA Cup and delivering European football.
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