In a major announcement that ends days of speculation, Chelsea Football Club has confirmed the appointment of Liam Rosenior as the new head coach of their men's first team. The 41-year-old Englishman joins from French club RC Strasbourg, signing a long-term contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032.
From Strasbourg to Stamford Bridge: A Surprise Move
The appointment, confirmed by the club on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, comes just a week after Chelsea parted ways with previous manager Enzo Maresca. Rosenior's move is seen as a left-field choice by many in the football world, but it is backed by his impressive recent achievements.
In his debut season at Strasbourg, which he joined in July 2024 as a replacement for Patrick Vieira, Rosenior engineered a remarkable turnaround. He guided the club to a 7th place finish in Ligue 1 for the 2024/25 season, securing European qualification for the first time in 19 years. His team currently sits 7th in the league this season and leads their UEFA Conference League group with 16 points from 5 wins and a draw.
Rosenior's Vision and Coaching Journey
In his first statement as Chelsea boss, Rosenior outlined his philosophy and commitment. "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," he said. He emphasised teamwork, unity, and togetherness as the core principles of his approach.
"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," Rosenior added, expressing his excitement to work with Chelsea's talented squad.
Before his successful stint in France, Rosenior's managerial career included:
- Hull City (2022-2024): Appointed in 2022 but sacked in 2024 after a seventh-place finish narrowly missed the play-offs.
- Derby County (Assistant/Interim Coach): Served as assistant to Wayne Rooney and acted as interim coach after Rooney's resignation in June 2022 until Paul Warne's appointment.
A Solid Playing Career Foundations
Rosenior's understanding of the game is rooted in a substantial playing career primarily in England. The defender/midfielder made his professional debut for Bristol City in 2002. His journey included:
He notably made his Premier League debut for Fulham against Manchester United in a 1-1 draw, earning the man of the match award. His career spanned clubs like Reading, Ipswich Town (loan), Hull City, and finally Brighton & Hove Albion, where he retired in 2018 before moving into coaching.
Chelsea fans will be eager to see if Rosenior can translate his transformative work at Strasbourg to the demanding environment of the Premier League and bring sustained success back to West London.
