In a significant development for English football, Liam Rosenior has publicly confirmed he is set to become the next head coach of Chelsea Football Club. The 41-year-old is making an emotional departure from his role at French side Strasbourg to take the helm at Stamford Bridge.
An Emotional Career Leap
Speaking at a press conference in France on Tuesday morning, January 6, 2026, Rosenior described the move as a dream opportunity he could not refuse. "On Saturday, I didn't know what was going to happen," he revealed. "What has happened since is that I have been allowed to speak with one of the biggest clubs in the world. Now, on this day, it looks like I'm going to be the next manager of that football club."
He confirmed that while he hasn't formally signed a contract, a verbal agreement is in place with Chelsea and the deal is expected to be finalised within hours. This marks Rosenior's first job in the Premier League, a huge step up from managing in Ligue 1. He will be joined at Chelsea by his assistants, Kalifa Cisse and Justin Walker.
"My whole life I have worked to be a coach. To be presented this opportunity to manage a world-class football club is something I've dreamed of," an emotional Rosenior stated. "I'm emotional. This is my last day, the last time, that I wake up as Strasbourg manager."
Maresca's Departure Paves the Way
Rosenior's appointment follows the confirmed departure of former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day. The Italian left his post after a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. During his tenure, which began in the summer of 2024, Maresca led the Blues to victory in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
A club statement thanked Maresca for his contributions but indicated that both parties believed a change was needed to get the season back on track, with key objectives including Champions League qualification still to play for.
Rosenior's Path to the Premier League
This represents only Rosenior's third permanent managerial position. His coaching career began after he retired from playing with Brighton in 2018, where he initially coached the under-23 side. He later served as a first-team coach and assistant manager at Derby County under Wayne Rooney.
His first top job was at Hull City, where he took over in November 2022 and impressively guided the team to a seventh-place Championship finish in the 2023/24 season, a remarkable rise from 19th the previous year. Despite this, he was surprisingly dismissed. He moved to Strasbourg in July 2024, replacing Patrick Vieira, and improved their league position from 13th to seventh in his sole season.
As a player, the London-born defender enjoyed a career spanning clubs including Bristol City, Fulham, Reading, Hull City, and Brighton, and earned caps for England at Under-21 level.
Addressing the monumental challenge of stepping up to manage a Champions League club, Rosenior was unequivocal: "If I didn't think I was ready, I would not have accepted the job." Chelsea fans will now watch closely as he begins this new chapter at Stamford Bridge.
