Chelsea Football Club has announced the appointment of Liam Rosenior, 41, as its new head coach. Rosenior has signed a six-and-a-half-year contract, committing him to the club until 2032. The announcement was made on Tuesday, following the departure of previous head coach Enzo Maresca last week.
Appointment Details
Liam Rosenior's appointment was officially confirmed by Chelsea on its Premier League website. His first match in charge of the team is scheduled for the FA Cup at the upcoming weekend. Interim manager Calum McFarlane is set to remain in charge for Chelsea's Premier League match against Fulham on Wednesday. McFarlane confirmed he had spoken with Rosenior, who was anticipated to be at Chelsea's training ground, Cobham, later the same day. McFarlane described Rosenior's coaching style as "aggressive, front-foot football."
Rosenior's Background and Experience
Rosenior brings three years of managerial experience to Chelsea, having previously managed Hull City and French club Strasbourg. He has not held a coaching position in the Premier League prior to this appointment. Rosenior's managerial tenure at Hull City lasted 18 months, concluding with his dismissal in late 2022. He was then appointed by Strasbourg in July 2024, where he guided the team to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season. Strasbourg is part of the BlueCo multi-club ownership group, which also owns Chelsea and is controlled by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Before his managerial career, Rosenior played in the Premier League and Championship for clubs including Fulham, Reading, and Hull. His coaching roles also include a 12-match period as caretaker manager for Derby during the 2022/23 season. This marks the fourth permanent managerial appointment for Chelsea since BlueCo acquired the club in 2022.
Statements and Club Expectations
In a statement released upon his appointment, Rosenior commented, "I am humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club. This is a club with a spirit and a 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."
Chelsea's ownership group, BlueCo, issued a statement indicating that Rosenior had demonstrated an ability to "build teams with a clear way of playing while setting the highest standards with players on and off the pitch." The club also stated that while player development would continue to be a focus, its expectations and ambitions remain high.
Previous Management and Current Standings
Rosenior succeeds Enzo Maresca, who departed Chelsea on New Year's Day. Maresca's departure followed a reported deterioration in his relationship with club bosses. During his tenure, Maresca led Chelsea to victories in the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup. Following his departure, Maresca issued a public message via Instagram to players and fans, thanking them for their support and acknowledging achievements such as Champions League qualification, the Conference League, and the Club World Cup. His message did not include references to the club's ownership or hierarchy.
Chelsea is currently positioned fifth in the Premier League, 17 points behind Arsenal, and has recorded one victory in their last eight league matches.