Chelsea have announced the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach on a 5½-year contract.
Rosenior took over at fellow BlueCo club Strasbourg in 2024 after spells as head coach at Hull City and Derby County, was in London this week to complete the move.
He replaces Enzo Maresca, who departed from the club on Jan. 1.
Chelsea, who rescued a 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Sunday after Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time equaliser, are fifth in the Premier League.
But a run of just one victory in seven games, and comments from Maresca that hinted at issues behind the scenes, brought an end to the Italian’s 19-month tenure before Sunday’s draw at City which was overseen by under-21s coach Calum McFarlane.
«I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of Chelsea Football Club. This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies,» Rosenior said in a statement.
«My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play as we continue winning trophies. To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job. I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves.
«I believe deeply in teamwork, unity, togetherness and working for one another, and those values will be at the heart of everything we do. They will be the foundation of our success.»
Shortly before his move to Chelsea was announced, Rosenior gave a farewell news conference in France on Tuesday morning in which he said he was yet to sign a contract with the Premier League club.
«It looks like I’m going to be the next manager of that football club [Chelsea],» he said.
«I haven’t signed yet, I have agreed verbally with Chelsea. It’s really important, this is different to anything anyone has ever done — nobody has made a statement before they have signed a contract.
«Everything is agreed and it will probably go through in the next few hours. I’m here because I care about this club and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on.»
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Rosenior has also admitted that he had interest from other «Champions League clubs» but said he could not turn down the opportunity to manage Chelsea.
«The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career. I have met some incredible people and created some incredible memories and made history,» Rosenior said.
«None of that happens without the investment of our ownership and hard work of our president.
«I have had interest from many clubs, including Champions League clubs, which I have always been open with to [our president] Marc [Keller] and our ownership.
«I will love this club for the rest of my life but I cannot turn down Chelsea.»
Despite his relative inexperience at the highest level, Rosenior is confident that he is ready for the challenge that awaits him at Chelsea.
«Outside of PSG in France, if Chelsea want a coach, that coach will probably take the Chelsea job,» he said.
«I would not have accepted the Chelsea job if I was not ready.
«There are clubs you just cannot turn down. I hope the Strasbourg fans can see that and be proud of that.»
Emotional Strasbourg exit
It is a rarity to see a manager front up for a news conference just as they are about to leave a club, but Rosenior did just that on Tuesday and was sure to speak of his fondness for his soon-to-be former club Strasbourg.
«I am so excited about the future. I have worked my whole life to be a coach and manage a world-class football club,» he said.
«That does bring sadness for what I am leaving behind. This is emotional as it is my last day and time I wake up as a Strasbourg manager. This is football.»
Rosenior also confirmed that his backroom staff, including Kalifa Cisse and Justin Walker would be making the move to west London alongside him.
«I would not be in this position without my unbelievable staff,» he added.
«I am leaving a lot of really good people behind. What I do know is that a good group of people are coming in.
«I have never met a person with such emotional intelligence as I have with Kalifa [Cisse]. Sadly for Strasbourg he is coming with me.»
