Chelsea Football Club has officially confirmed the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, following the sudden departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day.
The 41-year-old Englishman returns to London on a long-term contract running until 2032, signalling the board’s commitment to a stable, youth-focused project. Rosenior is joined by three key members of his backroom staff from France, including assistants Kalifa Cissé and Justin Walker, as he prepares to lead the Blues through a pivotal second half of the 2026 season.
The ‘Strasbourg Success’ Factor
Rosenior arrives at Chelsea with a skyrocketing reputation after a historic stint at RC Strasbourg. In his first season in Ligue 1, he defied expectations by leading the French club to European qualification—their first in 19 years.
Known for his tactical flexibility and “front-foot” philosophy, Rosenior’s ability to maximise a young squad was a major factor in the BlueCo hierarchy’s decision. At Strasbourg, he frequently fielded starting lineups with an average age under 23, a profile that perfectly mirrors the current multi-billion-pound Chelsea roster.
“I Will Give Everything”
In his first official address at Stamford Bridge, Rosenior spoke with passion about the club’s identity. “I am extremely humbled and honoured. This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies,” he told reporters. “My job is to protect that identity. I believe deeply in teamwork and unity; those values will be the foundation of our success.”
The Road Ahead
The appointment follows a turbulent start to 2026 for Chelsea. Despite winning the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup during his 18-month tenure, Enzo Maresca was sacked following a breakdown in relations with the board and a dip in Premier League form that saw the Blues slip to 5th place.
Rosenior is expected to watch from the stands during Wednesday’s West London derby against Fulham, before taking full charge for the FA Cup third-round tie against Charlton Athletic on January 10.