Meet Chelsea's new head coach and Maresca's replacement
Chelsea's new coach, who is also Enzo Maresca's replacement at the club, has officially confirmed that he has accepted the position.
Liam Rosenior has confirmed that he has reached a verbal agreement to become Chelsea’s new head coach, describing the chance to succeed Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge as an opportunity he could not refuse.
The 39-year-old is set to depart Strasbourg, Chelsea’s partner club under the BlueCo ownership model, following discussions about the role that took place on Monday. Speaking at a press conference in France on Tuesday, Rosenior revealed that although paperwork is yet to be signed, all key terms have been agreed.
“I haven’t put pen to paper yet, but there is a verbal agreement with Chelsea,” Rosenior explained. “This situation is unusual. Normally, these announcements come after contracts are signed. Everything is in place, and it should be finalised within the next few hours. I felt it was important to speak here in person today, out of respect for this club, before moving on.”
Rosenior emerged as Chelsea’s preferred candidate shortly after Maresca’s contentious exit last week. However, negotiations were delayed as BlueCo sought to balance the interests of both Chelsea and Strasbourg. The Ligue 1 side is now working toward appointing a successor, with Gary O’Neil among those being considered.
Reflecting on his time in France, Rosenior described the past 18 months as the highlight of his coaching career.
“It has been an incredible journey and the most fulfilling period of my professional life,” he said. “I’ve worked with outstanding people, achieved historic moments, and built memories that will stay with me forever. That progress doesn’t happen without the support of our ownership and the leadership of our president.”
Rosenior also acknowledged attracting interest from other clubs, including teams competing in the Champions League, but stressed that he had remained transparent with Strasbourg’s hierarchy throughout.
“I will always hold this club close to my heart,” he added. “But when Chelsea came calling, it was simply something I couldn’t turn down.”
The former Hull City manager leaves Strasbourg with the club sitting seventh in Ligue 1 after a strong campaign with a youthful squad. He is well known to three of Chelsea’s five sporting directors and is viewed internally as a coach with significant long-term potential. Tactically, his approach is expected to closely align with the framework established by Maresca, limiting the need for major structural changes.
Chelsea, currently fifth in the Premier League, face Fulham away on Wednesday before hosting Arsenal in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final next week.
Looking ahead, Rosenior expressed both excitement and emotion as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.
“I’ve dedicated my entire life to coaching, with the ambition of leading a top-level football club,” he said. “That excitement comes with real sadness about what I’m leaving behind. Today is my final day as Strasbourg manager, and that’s something I feel deeply.”
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