Chelsea are moving towards appointing a new head coach, with Calum McFarlane indicating the decision could arrive on Monday. Liam Rosenior, currently at Strasbourg, is understood to be under serious consideration
to succeed Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day after a relatively short tenure.
Under-21s coach McFarlane explained that Chelsea's hierarchy had outlined a short interim spell, centred on the Manchester City fixture. McFarlane said, "There's a chance the new manager will be in on Mondaythat's what I was told originally.Obviously, it's Sunday now. " The coach stressed preparations for City dominated discussions inside the camp.
Rosenior, aged 41, has reportedly travelled to London for face-to-face talks with senior Chelsea figures. The Strasbourg coach is widely viewed as the front-runner to replace Maresca. If those discussions progress smoothly, Rosenior could soon be confirmed as the next Chelsea manager at Stamford Bridge.
Despite the speculation, Rosenior has repeatedly stressed commitment to Strasbourg, describing the French club as world-class. Strasbourg sit seventh in Ligue 1, matching their finish from Rosenior's first season at Le Racing. Rosenior has described this period as the best 18 months of my professional career, highlighting strong progress under current ownership.
Before moving to Ligue 1, Rosenior worked in the Championship with Hull City. The former Hull City boss guided the Tigers to a seventh-place finish two seasons ago. That campaign strengthened Rosenior's reputation as a coach aiming for elite opportunities, and Rosenior has acknowledged a desire to operate at the highest possible level.
McFarlane outlined how the interim role unfolded around preparations for the Manchester City trip. "When I first took the job, I was told I would take the Manchester City game. So that was three days with the group," McFarlane said, detailing limited training time. McFarlane also confirmed remaining in charge until any appointment is finalised.
McFarlane explained, "As far as I know, the new manager will be in shortly, and I'll lead the team until he's in. " Chelsea earned a 1-1 draw at Etihad Stadium, with Enzo Fernandez scoring a late equaliser. That goal secured a point against Pep Guardiola's side in a demanding Premier League contest.
In the dugout. #CFC | #MCICHE pic.twitter.com/EKDlTbj2eX Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 4, 2026
Reflecting on leading Chelsea against Manchester City, McFarlane said, "For me personally, it was amazing, stuff you dream about:Pep Guardiola, Premier League game, amazing, he added. " McFarlane added, "I'm really proud of the performance, even if that goal didn't come, I thought the character the lads showed, especially in the second half. I would've been so happy regardless. "
McFarlane continued, "It's even better we got the equaliser I thought we deserved. " He explained, "The whole focus over the last two days was winning this game. " McFarlane added, "Obviously, we haven't done that, but putting in that performance, we're all very proud. " Chelsea staff and players felt the display justified confidence.
Discussing mindset, McFarlane said, "We always believed we could come here and win. " On Guardiola, McFarlane stated, "[Guardiola is] one of the best managers that has ever done it. " McFarlane added, "That seemed to be the narrative of the game and I don't think it should have been. It should be about the players, and how well they performed. It shouldn't be about me, it should be about the quality performance those lads put on with everything that has gone on. "
Key decisions around the Chelsea manager search now sit with the club's hierarchy after the Manchester City draw. Rosenior remains strongly linked with the vacancy, while McFarlane continues in temporary charge. The squad await clarity on the next permanent head coach, following Maresca's departure and an encouraging performance at Etihad Stadium.
