Chelsea flag (Chelsea Liverpool target)
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Chelsea have parted ways with head coach Liam Rosenior after a run of five consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring – their worst such streak since 1912.
Rosenior, who joined in January on a five-and-a-half-year deal, won just 11 of his 23 matches in charge across all competitions.
After Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion, Rosenior described the performance as “indefensible” and “unacceptable” amid angry chants from travelling supporters.
The result saw Chelsea slip to seventh in the table, dealing a further blow to their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Calum McFarlane will take charge as interim manager until the end of the season. McFarlane, previously assistant to Liam Rosenior, earlier oversaw a 1-1 draw with Manchester City and a defeat at Fulham following the dismissal of Enzo Maresca.
A club statement read: “Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior. 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.
“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. Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing Club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup.
“As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”
Chelsea have four Premier League games remaining, including a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on May 9. The Blues won the reverse fixture 2-1 in October, but now trail Liverpool by seven points, having played a game more.
Failure to qualify for the Champions League would have a significant financial impact on the club. During his time in charge, Liam Rosenior also oversaw Carabao Cup semi-final defeats to Arsenal and an 8-2 aggregate loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16.
However, Chelsea did record FA Cup wins over Charlton Athletic, Hull City and Wrexham (on penalties), before a 7-0 victory over Port Vale set up a semi-final clash with Leeds United on Sunday.