Amidst swirling rumors linking him to the Chelsea manager position, Liam Rosenior, currently managing Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, has addressed the speculation surrounding his future. The 41-year-old has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Enzo Maresca, who was dismissed by Chelsea on New Year's Day.
Chelsea's decision to part ways with Maresca came as a surprise, despite the Italian leading the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. However, a statement from the club cited a need for change to get the season back on track, with key objectives still to play for across four competitions, including qualification for Champions League football. U-21s boss Calum McFarlane will be in charge for the Premier League match against Manchester City on January 4.
Rosenior, who has been managing Strasbourg since July 2024, has guided the French side to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, securing them a place in the Conference League. Strasbourg, like Chelsea, are owned by BlueCo, the consortium led by Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. This connection has fueled speculation that Rosenior is a natural fit for the Chelsea job, as he is already familiar with the BlueCo model.
Speaking ahead of Strasbourg's recent match against Nice, Rosenior acknowledged the rumors but insisted his focus remains on his current role. "There's a lot of noise, a lot of speculation, but as a coach, if you get involved in that, you fail," Rosenior stated. "My job is here, I love this club. I'm working to win this match on Saturday. But of course I'm aware of the rumours".
Following Strasbourg's 1-1 draw with Nice on Saturday, Rosenior gave a less-than-convincing update on his future. "I don't know, to be honest," he told Ligue 1+ broadcasters. "I said it in the press conference, you never know what might happen in life". He continued, "It's difficult to describe the connection I have with this group. I feel loved, I've loved this job from the start". While admitting that discussions have taken place, he emphasized that "Nothing is concrete, there are no concrete discussions".
Rosenior's comments have been interpreted as a potential farewell to Strasbourg. "It's a very beautiful city, with very beautiful people, a great club," he said. "I loved everything. The players have been incredible. I truly want the best for this club. I don't know if this is my last match. In life, you never know".
When asked if he'd had contact with BlueCo, Rosenior replied, "They have been so supportive of me in this job". He added, "In life, there are zero guarantees. Nobody can guarantee anything. We don't know what tomorrow will bring". "I love this club, but I can't guarantee anything. Nobody can".
The Guardian reports that a significant obstacle to Rosenior's potential move to Chelsea is BlueCo's desire to ensure a quality replacement is secured for him at Strasbourg. Despite the uncertainty, Rosenior maintains a professional stance. "The only thing I can guarantee is that I'll give my all every time. I want to do my job very professionally every time. No matter the speculation," he said.
With Chelsea's search for a new manager underway, Rosenior remains a strong contender, and his recent remarks have only intensified the speculation surrounding his future.
