Liam Rosenior has confirmed that a move to become Chelsea’s next head coach is imminent, with the Strasbourg manager expecting to be on the bench for Saturday’s FA Cup match at Charlton Athletic, as Chelsea act quickly to replace Enzo Maresca following the Italian’s departure on New Year’s Day.
Rosenior travelled to London for detailed talks with Chelsea and then returned to France, where the 41-year-old explained during a press conference that the agreement is close. Youth coach Calum McFarlane will still lead Chelsea at Fulham in the Premier League on Wednesday, after also managing Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Describing the scale of the decision, Rosenior said: "It's an unbelievable opportunity at an incredible club, the world champions,
and one I just couldn't turn down," the 41-year-old said. "And I can go home and see my kids. " The personal element, including family reasons, played a clear part in accepting Chelsea’s offer.
Rosenior stressed how much the Strasbourg spell has meant, adding: "I have made a sacrifice being away from them, but it's been the best 18 months of my professional career here at Strasbourg. I have met some incredible people and none of that happens without the hard work of everyone connected with this football club. "
Since leaving Hull City in 2024, Rosenior has rebuilt a strong reputation, leading to quick interest from Strasbourg, who share the BlueCo ownership structure with Chelsea. In his first full Ligue 1 campaign, Strasbourg finished seventh, their second-highest position since 1979-80, and they are again seventh in the 2025-26 standings.
Rosenior acknowledged that several top clubs had monitored progress. "It's not just Chelsea, I have had interest from other Champions League clubs. " However, the manager admitted the scale of this step was decisive. "But this opportunity, I can't turn it down. " The chance to guide the current world champions proved decisive for the coach.
Liam Rosenior Chelsea head coach step and Strasbourg reaction
Rosenior reflected on the sporting gap between the two teams. "In football, there are levels. Strasbourg is not on as big a level as Chelsea. It's not on the same level. There are certain clubs you can't turn down. " Rosenior then appealed for understanding from Strasbourg supporters regarding the motives behind the move.
"I hope fans understand that their manager has been identified as someone to be the coach of the world champions. I hope they can see how difficult it was for me to leave this club. " Rosenior insisted the decision followed long consideration, balancing career ambition with loyalty to Strasbourg’s project and community.
Up next, our shortest away day of the season. pic.twitter.com/sGEVDWlu4aChelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 5, 2026
Questions were raised in France about whether moving within the BlueCo group showed enough loyalty to Strasbourg, but Rosenior rejected that view. "The fact I am here. I am trying to show as much respect as possible. It's the opposite. It shows huge respect, not just for the work that I've done but for everyone connected to the club, because Chelsea could pick any coach they want in the world. "
Rosenior first emerged as a prime candidate once Maresca, who led Chelsea to the Conference League and Club World Cup titles last season, exited on 1 January. Chelsea now turn to Rosenior’s methods, shaped in England and refined in Ligue 1, as the club look to maintain recent trophy success under new leadership.
