Chelsea appoint Liam Rosenior as head coach on a long-term deal, replacing Enzo Maresca. The former Strasbourg boss starts with FA Cup tie.
Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, replacing Enzo Maresca following his departure on New Year’s Day. The 41-year-old has signed a long-term contract running until 2032. He joins from Strasbourg, another club within the BlueCo ownership group. Rosenior becomes the sixth head coach appointed since BlueCo completed their takeover of Chelsea in 2022. The club believe his coaching profile fits their long term vision.
Rosenior will not take charge immediately in the Premier League. Chelsea visit Fulham on Wednesday will be overseen by youth coach Calum McFarlane, who guided the side to a 1-1 draw at Manchester City last weekend. The new head coach is expected to be in attendance at Craven Cottage and will officially begin his first training session on Thursday at Cobham. His first match will be Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie at Charlton Athletic.
Chelsea moved quickly after Maresca’s departure and identified Rosenior as their top target. He impressed ownership with his work at Strasbourg over the past 18 months. Last season, he guided the French side to seventh in Ligue 1, securing European qualification for the first time in eight years. It was Strasbourg’s best league finish in decades and a major overachievement.
This season, Strasbourg sit seventh again and top their Conference League group. Rosenior’s final match in charge of Strasbourg was a 1-1 draw away to Nice, extending their winless league run to five games. Rosenior averaged 1.59 points per Ligue 1 match during his tenure, making him one of the most effective coaches in the club’s history. Only two Strasbourg coaches in history have posted a better long-term record. Strasbourg were also among the division’s strongest sides for pressing metrics and high ball recoveries. Chelsea believe his development focused approach suits their young squad.
Chelsea enter this change after a mixed run of results. They drew 1-1 away to Manchester City on Sunday under McFarlane. Enzo Fernández scored a stoppage time equaliser to secure the point. It followed draws with Bournemouth and Newcastle. A defeat to Aston Villa remains their only loss in the last four matches, but just one win has arrived in the past seven league games. Those results left Chelsea fifth in the Premier League standings. They sit between Liverpool and Manchester United after 20 matches. That run placed pressure on Maresca and accelerated the club’s decision.
Rosenior previously coached Derby County and Hull City in the Championship. He was dismissed by Hull in 2024 before rebuilding his reputation in France. At Strasbourg, he implemented structured build up play and aggressive pressing. The team ranked among Ligue 1’s best for high turnovers this season.
He will bring key members of his backroom staff to Stamford Bridge. Assistant coach Justin Walker and analyst Ben Warner are expected to join him. First team coach Kalifa Cisse will also make the move to London. Chelsea see continuity as vital to a smooth transition.
Chelsea’s immediate focus is the short trip to Fulham on Wednesday. They then host Charlton in the FA Cup with Rosenior in charge. An EFL Cup semifinal against Arsenal follows later this month. Chelsea drew 1-1 with Arsenal earlier this season in the league.
Rosenior faces pressure from the outset but also long-term backing. The club expect progress in performances and league position quickly. Stability remains the stated aim under BlueCo’s model. The next few weeks will shape early opinion on this bold appointment.
