Chelsea have officially confirmed the appointment of Liam Rosenior as the club’s new head coach. He replaces Enzo Maresca, who left the club on New Year’s Day.
The 41-year-old joins from Strasbourg. The Ligue 1 side is part of the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital-owned BlueCo ownership group.
Chelsea announced the decision on Tuesday, January 6, describing Rosenior as a coach who fits the club’s long-term vision and development-focused model.
Rosenior signs a multi-year contract and will take charge of first-team affairs ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming English Premier League fixtures. The job begins early with a clash against Fulham on Wednesday, January 7.
“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Liam Rosenior as head coach of the men’s team. The Englishman has signed a contract with the club that will take him through to 2032,” the club announcement reads.
Rosenior arrives in west London after an impressive spell in France. He joined Strasbourg in July 2024 and guided them to seventh place in Ligue 1. The finish secured European qualification for the first time in eight years.
This season, he also led Strasbourg to the top of their Conference League table. The same competition was won by Maresca with Chelsea last season.
Backroom staff confirmed
Rosenior will not arrive alone at Stamford Bridge. Alongside him, several members of his Strasbourg coaching staff will also make the move. These include first-team coach Kalifa Cisse, assistant head coach Justin Walker and head of analysis Ben Warner.
This continuity should help Rosenior settle quickly and implement his ideas during a busy period of the season.
Meanwhile, Chelsea sources have indicated that Rosenior has already been working closely with the sporting department ahead of his first match in charge.
Immediate challenge awaits
Out of respect for the French club, Rosenior held a media briefing on Tuesday morning, January 6. During the briefing, he confirmed his decision to leave Strasbourg and join Chelsea.
“I cannot turn down this opportunity to join an incredible club, incredible squad who are Club World Cup champions,” Rosenior said to the media ahead of Chelsea’s own announcement.
Rosenior takes over a Chelsea side currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, with the club still firmly in contention for Champions League qualification.
His first test comes against Fulham – a club he represented as a player – offering an immediate narrative as he begins his tenure in the dugout.
Chelsea supporters will be eager to see how quickly the new head coach can stamp his identity on a young and evolving squad, as the club enters a crucial phase of the season.
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