Chelsea Appoint Liam Rosenior as New Head Coach on Six-Year Deal After Maresca Exit

Chelsea Appoint Liam Rosenior as New Head Coach on Six-Year Deal After Maresca Exit

Chelsea Football Club have confirmed the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, handing the 41-year-old a six-year contract following the dismissal of Enzo Maresca.

The former Strasbourg manager, who earlier confirmed a verbal agreement during a farewell press conference in France, was officially unveiled by the Premier League club on Tuesday. Strasbourg and Chelsea are both owned by the BlueCo consortium, easing Rosenior’s move to Stamford Bridge.

“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club,” Rosenior said in a statement. “This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies. My job is to protect that identity and build a team that reflects these values while continuing to win.”

Despite having just three years of managerial experience and no prior Premier League coaching record, Rosenior had emerged as the frontrunner to replace Maresca, who was sacked on New Year’s Day amid growing internal tensions.

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Rosenior becomes Chelsea’s fourth permanent manager since 2022, when BlueCo completed its takeover. He guided Strasbourg to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season after joining the club in July 2024.

Explaining why he addressed the media in Strasbourg before departing, Rosenior said he felt a strong emotional connection to the club. “I care deeply about this club and wanted to speak here first before moving on,” he said, admitting to mixed emotions despite his excitement.

A former Premier League and Championship defender, Rosenior played for clubs including Fulham, Reading and Hull City, later managing Hull before being dismissed after 18 months. He has also worked as a coach at Derby County under Phillip Cocu and Wayne Rooney, briefly serving as interim manager in 2022.

Maresca, meanwhile, leaves Stamford Bridge after winning the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup in his debut season. Chelsea Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane oversaw the team’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday and will hand over to Rosenior ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Fulham.

Chelsea Appoint Liam Rosenior as New Head Coach on Six-Year Deal After Maresca Exit