Liam Rosenior has emerged as a leading candidate for the Chelsea head coach position following Enzo Maresca's departure on New Year's Day. The 41-year-old, currently managing French club Strasbourg, has acknowledged the possibility of taking the Chelsea job, but emphasized that his immediate focus remains with his current club.
Rosenior's ascent comes after an impressive, albeit unconventional, journey through the footballing ranks. Following a playing career at clubs like Bristol City, Fulham, and Hull City, he transitioned into coaching, starting with Brighton's under-23s. He later served as assistant to Wayne Rooney at Derby County, an experience he credits as crucial to his development as a manager. After an interim spell at Derby, Rosenior took the helm at Hull City in November 2022. Despite a strong showing with Hull, narrowly missing the Championship playoffs in the 2023-24 season, he was surprisingly dismissed. He then moved to Strasbourg, where he currently manages.
The link between Rosenior and Chelsea is strengthened by the fact that both clubs are owned by BlueCo, an investment vehicle keen to be sensitive to the needs of both teams. This unique situation could facilitate Rosenior's move to Stamford Bridge, but also necessitates careful consideration to ensure Strasbourg is not adversely affected. Before Rosenior can depart, a suitable replacement must be found for Strasbourg.
In a recent press conference, Rosenior addressed the speculation surrounding his potential move to Chelsea. While refraining from making any guarantees about his future, he admitted to "exchanges" with BlueCo bosses, acknowledging the connection between the two clubs. He stressed his commitment to Strasbourg, stating, "My job is here, I love this club". However, he also conceded that "in life, there are zero guarantees," suggesting that a move to Chelsea is not out of the question. Rosenior has rebuffed offers from Premier League sides and Bayer Leverkusen during his time at Strasbourg.
Rosenior's potential appointment would represent a relatively youthful choice for Chelsea, who recently parted ways with Enzo Maresca. Despite his age, Rosenior brings a wealth of experience, having managed over 150 matches and spent three years as a coach prior to his managerial roles. He is known for his tactical astuteness, motivational skills, and ability to connect with players. Rosenior also holds Wayne Rooney as a key influence.
In the interim, Chelsea's Under-21 coach, Calum McFarlane, will take charge of the team, starting with their match against Manchester City. While Rosenior will be in the Strasbourg dugout for their game against Nice, his availability for Chelsea's subsequent match against Fulham remains uncertain.
Rosenior's potential move to Chelsea has generated considerable excitement, with many observers viewing him as a promising young manager with the potential to lead the Blues to success. However, the complexities of the BlueCo ownership structure mean that his appointment is not yet a foregone conclusion and hinges on finding a solution that benefits both Chelsea and Strasbourg.
