Chelsea have officially announced the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, handing the 41-year-old a five-and-a-half-year contract that runs until 2032.
Rosenior replaces Enzo Maresca, who departed Stamford Bridge on January 1, following mounting pressure after a poor run of results and comments that hinted at internal issues behind the scenes.
Chelsea Confirm Rosenior Appointment
The former Hull City and Derby County boss arrives at Stamford Bridge from BlueCo-owned Strasbourg, where he had been head coach since July 2024.
Chelsea confirmed the move on Tuesday, just days after rescuing a 1-1 draw against Manchester City, courtesy of a stoppage-time equaliser from Enzo Fernández.
That match was overseen by under-21s coach Calum McFarlane, who will also be in the dugout for Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Fulham.
Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League, but a run of just one win in seven games proved decisive in ending Maresca’s 19-month reign.
Rosenior’s First Words as Chelsea Head Coach
Speaking in an official club statement, Rosenior expressed both humility and ambition after being entrusted with one of football’s biggest jobs.
“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of Chelsea Football Club. This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies.”
He made clear that preserving Chelsea’s identity would be central to his vision.
“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.”
The former defender underlined what the appointment means personally.
“To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job. I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves.”
Rosenior also outlined the principles he plans to build around.
“I believe deeply in teamwork, unity, togetherness and working for one another, and those values will be at the heart of everything we do. They will be the foundation of our success.”
From Strasbourg to Stamford Bridge
Liam Rosenior leaves Strasbourg after guiding the French side to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season. His final match in charge was a 1-1 draw at Nice on Saturday, Strasbourg’s fifth league game without a win.
Despite that run, Strasbourg remain seventh in Ligue 1 and sit top of their UEFA Conference League group.
In a remarkable moment, Rosenior held a farewell news conference in France before his Chelsea contract had been formally signed, confirming the move was imminent.
“It looks like I’m going to be the next manager of [Chelsea].”
“I haven’t signed yet, I have agreed verbally with Chelsea.”
“It’s really important, this is different to anything anyone has ever done, nobody has made a statement before they have signed a contract.”
“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.”
“I Could Not Turn Down Chelsea” – Liam Rosenior
Rosenior admitted he had interest from elsewhere — including clubs competing in Europe’s elite competition — but Chelsea proved irresistible.
“The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career. I have met some incredible people and created some incredible memories and made history.”
“I have had interest from many clubs, including Champions League clubs.”
But the final decision was clear.
“I will love this club for the rest of my life but I cannot turn down Chelsea.”
He later added:
“Outside of PSG in France, if Chelsea want a coach, that coach will probably take the Chelsea job.”
“I would not have accepted the Chelsea job if I was not ready.”
“There are clubs you just cannot turn down. I hope the Strasbourg fans can see that and be proud of that.”
Emotional Goodbye to Strasbourg
Rosenior admitted the departure was deeply emotional, describing his final hours as Strasbourg head coach.
“I am so excited about the future. I have worked my whole life to be a coach and manage a world-class football club.”
“That does bring sadness for what I am leaving behind. This is emotional as it is my last day and time I wake up as a Strasbourg manager. This is football.”
He also confirmed that his trusted backroom staff will follow him to west London.
“I would not be in this position without my unbelievable staff.”
“I am leaving a lot of really good people behind. What I do know is that a good group of people are coming in.”
“I have never met a person with such emotional intelligence as I have with Kalifa [Cisse]. Sadly for Strasbourg he is coming with me.”
Fan Backlash and BlueCo Controversy
Rosenior’s move has reignited anger among sections of the Strasbourg fanbase, who oppose the BlueCo multi-club ownership model, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Supporters have staged repeated protests, including silent demonstrations and banners reading “BlueCo Out” and “non à la multipropriété” (no to multi-ownership).
Following the announcement, supporters’ group Fédération Supporters RCS issued a strongly worded statement.
“The transfer of Liam Rosenior marks another humiliating step in Racing’s subservience to Chelsea.”
“The problem goes far beyond the mid-season sporting impact and the ambitions of a young coach. It is structural; the future of French club football is at stake.”
A New Era at Stamford Bridge
Amid the controversy and his relative lack of top-level managerial experience, Chelsea have placed enormous faith in Rosenior with a contract that runs until 2032.
For the former Hull City boss, the challenge is to restore consistency, harness Chelsea’s talent, and justify the long-term gamble taken by the club’s hierarchy.
As Rosenior himself put it:
“I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves.”
At Stamford Bridge, a new chapter begins.
