Chelsea have confirmed that Liam Rosenior has verbally agreed to become the club’s new manager, taking over following the departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day. The 41-year-old English coach is set to take charge of the Blues, who are part of the BlueCo ownership group led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

Rosenior, currently in charge at Strasbourg, has described the move as an “opportunity [he] cannot turn down” and expressed excitement at joining a squad that includes Club World Cup champions.

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Rosenior’s Statement on Joining Chelsea

Speaking to the media before finalizing the move, Rosenior said:

“I haven’t signed yet. Everything is agreed and it will probably go through in the next few hours. I’m here because I care about this club and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on.”

He confirmed that several key members of his Strasbourg coaching staff will join him at Chelsea, including:

• Kalifa Cisse, Strasbourg first-team coach
• Justin Walker, assistant head coach
• Ben Warner, head of analysis

“I cannot turn down this opportunity to join an incredible club, incredible squad who are Club World Cup champions,” Rosenior added.

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Rosenior’s Strasbourg Success

Rosenior joined Strasbourg in July 2024 and has overseen a notable revival in French football. Last season, he guided the club to seventh place in Ligue 1, securing European football for the first time in eight years. Strasbourg currently sit seventh in Ligue 1 and top of their Conference League group, demonstrating consistent performance in both domestic and European competitions.

His final match in charge was a 1-1 draw against Nice on Saturday, marking Strasbourg’s fifth league game without a win. Reflecting on his time at the club, Rosenior said:

“The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career. I will love this club for the rest of my life, but I cannot turn down Chelsea.”

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Chelsea’s Managerial Context

Rosenior will inherit a Chelsea squad rich in talent, with the club aiming to compete across domestic and European competitions. The Blues have struggled with managerial instability in recent seasons, with several short-term appointments following Todd Boehly’s acquisition of the club.

Replacing Enzo Maresca, Rosenior is expected to implement a tactical system that blends attacking flair with defensive solidity, taking inspiration from his successful stint in Ligue 1.

Chelsea fans will be keen to see how Rosenior integrates with the squad, particularly with high-profile players competing for starting positions in the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA competitions.

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Rosenior’s Career Overview

Before Strasbourg, Rosenior coached in the Championship with Derby County and Hull City, gaining experience managing in England’s highly competitive second tier. His appointment at Chelsea marks a significant step up in his managerial career, bringing English coaching talent back to one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

At 41, Rosenior is among the younger managers in the Premier League, combining a modern tactical approach with experience from both European football and the English system.