Liam Rosenior has been quick to acknowledge the work left behind by Enzo Maresca, insisting Chelsea are not starting from scratch — but must now push on to the next level.
Speaking ahead of his first match in charge, new Blues boss Rosenior praised his predecessor’s tactical impact despite Maresca’s abrupt exit earlier this month.
“Enzo has done a good job tactically,” Rosenior said, ahead of the FA Cup trip to Charlton.
“The foundations are there. My job now is to take it to the next level, and my staff and I are going to work very hard to do that.”
“The pressure is here from day one” 🔥
Liam Rosenior discusses how he is embracing the ‘privilege’ of managing Chelsea ahead of his first time in the dugout for the club against Charlton 🔵 pic.twitter.com/CeAezZKngv
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 9, 2026
Maresca departed Stamford Bridge on January 1 after lifting two trophies in his debut season, but Chelsea’s collapse in the Premier League — just one win in nine — proved costly as the club slipped to eighth.
Having watched Wednesday’s defeat to Fulham from the stands, Rosenior is already aware of the unrest surrounding BlueCo’s ownership. But he rejected any suggestion that he is a compliant appointment.
“I’m not arrogant but I’m good at what I do”.
Liam Rosenior replied to a journalist suggesting he wasn’t yet ready to be at Chelsea.
He has something about him. pic.twitter.com/unamSxH8SQ
— JnR (@CFCJnR) January 9, 2026
“You can’t be in this job and not be your own man,” he said. “If you’re scared or fearful, there’s no point being a coach. I’ll make my own decisions.”
“I’m not arrogant, I’m good at what I do. In every job I’ve worked, whether as an interim, assistant, or head coach, relative to the group I’ve worked with, I’ve been successful,” he added.
“I’ve always wanted to be at a club like this, but it’s not about just being here; it’s about being successful.
