Chelsea Football Club has officially announced the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, succeeding Enzo Maresca, who was relieved of his duties on New Year's Day. The 41-year-old Rosenior has signed a contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032. This move marks the end of Rosenior's 18-month tenure with Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, a club also under the ownership of BlueCo, the same organization that oversees Chelsea.
Rosenior's appointment marks a significant moment for Chelsea, as he becomes the club's fifth permanent head coach since 2021, following Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, and Enzo Maresca. This also marks the first English manager since Frank Lampard. The swiftness of the decision underscores Chelsea's determination to quickly fill the managerial void and begin a new chapter.
In his first statement as Chelsea's head coach, Rosenior expressed his enthusiasm and respect for the club. "I am extremely humbled and honored to be appointed Head Coach of Chelsea Football Club," he stated on the club's website. "This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies. 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".
Rosenior also emphasized his commitment to teamwork, unity, and a strong connection with the fans. “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," he stated. "I want our fans to be proud of who we are and what we represent in every single game that we play. They are the soul of this enormous, historic and huge football club".
Prior to his role at Strasbourg, Rosenior gained managerial experience at Championship side Hull City, where he was widely credited with developing young players. His coaching career began after a 17-year playing career that included spells with Brighton & Hove Albion, Hull City, Reading, and Fulham in the Premier League. Rosenior retired from playing at the end of the 2017/18 season and transitioned into coaching.
Rosenior will be joined by his two assistants, Kalifa Cissé and Justin Walker, along with head of analysis Ben Warner. Chelsea aims to have Rosenior in charge for their upcoming game against Fulham.
