Liam Rosenior has confirmed he is on the verge of a major career move, having reached a verbal agreement to become the new head coach of Premier League giants Chelsea.
From Strasbourg to Stamford Bridge
The 39-year-old is set to make the switch from Chelsea's partner club, Strasbourg, where he has been in charge since July 2024. Rosenior revealed the news at a press conference in France on Tuesday, stating that while the contract is not yet signed, all terms are agreed. "I haven't signed yet, I have agreed verbally with Chelsea," he told reporters, acknowledging the unusual step of announcing the move before putting pen to paper.
He explained his presence at the Strasbourg press conference, saying, "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." The deal is expected to be formally completed within hours.
An Opportunity Too Big to Refuse
Rosenior steps into the vacancy created by the acrimonious departure of Enzo Maresca from Stamford Bridge last week. He described the Chelsea role as one he simply could not turn down, despite his affection for his current club. "I will love this club for the rest of my life but I cannot turn down Chelsea," he stated emotionally.
Reflecting on his 18-month tenure at Strasbourg, he called it "the best of my professional career," where he "made history" with a young squad currently sitting seventh in Ligue 1. He also noted that he had received interest from other clubs, including Champions League sides, but the pull of Chelsea was decisive.
Navigating a Unique Club Structure
The move required careful negotiation within the BlueCo structure, the investment vehicle that owns both Chelsea and Strasbourg. The need to balance the interests of both partner clubs caused a brief delay in proceedings. While Rosenior prepares for his new challenge in West London, Strasbourg are now actively seeking his replacement, with Wolves manager Gary O'Neil reportedly among the candidates.
Rosenior's appointment is seen as a logical fit for Chelsea. He is regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in the game and shares a strong working relationship with three of Chelsea's five sporting directors. Furthermore, his tactical approach is not expected to require a drastic shift from the template established by his predecessor, Maresca.
The news breaks as Chelsea, currently fifth in the Premier League, prepare for a midweek London derby away at Fulham. They also face a crucial Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge next week, meaning Rosenior could be thrust into high-stakes fixtures immediately.
