Chelsea Football Club has officially appointed Liam Rosenior as their new head coach on a contract running until 2032.
The 41-year-old Englishman, who previously managed Strasbourg, joins the Blues on a five-and-a-half-year deal with an option for an additional season. Rosenior replaces Enzo Maresca, who departed the club on New Year’s Day.
Rosenior is set to watch Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Fulham from the stands at Craven Cottage on Wednesday. He will lead his first training session on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Charlton Athletic.
“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club. To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job. I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves,” Rosenior said.
Chelsea’s interim boss, Calum McFarlane, revealed he had a brief conversation with Rosenior on Monday night.
“I wouldn’t be giving him any advice because he is a really accomplished coach,” McFarlane stated. “I am here to support him but I won’t be giving him any advice.”
Earlier on Tuesday, during his final press conference as Strasbourg manager, Rosenior confirmed a verbal agreement with Chelsea.
“I cannot turn down this opportunity to join an incredible club, incredible squad who are Club World Cup champions,” he explained.
Strasbourg, currently seventh in Ligue 1 and leading the Conference League, is part of the BlueCo multi-club ownership group controlled by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, which also owns Chelsea.
Rosenior will be accompanied by his Strasbourg staff, including first-team coach Kalifa Cisse, assistant head coach Justin Walker, and head of analysis Ben Warner, who will all make the move to Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior took over at Strasbourg in July 2024 and led them to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, qualifying for European football for the first time in eight years. His last game in charge was a 1-1 draw against Nice on Saturday, marking their fifth league match without a victory.
Reflecting on his time in France, Rosenior said: “The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career. I’m here because I care about this club [Strasbourg] and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on. I will love this club for the rest of my life, but I cannot turn down Chelsea.”
A former defender for Fulham and Hull City, Rosenior has no prior experience managing in the Premier League. Addressing concerns about his readiness, he asserted: “I would not have accepted the Chelsea job if I was not ready. There are clubs you just cannot turn down. I hope the Strasbourg fans can see that and be proud of that.”
He added that he had received interest from several clubs, including those in the Champions League, and had been transparent with Strasbourg president Marc Keller and the ownership.
The appointment has sparked mixed reactions, with former players Chris Sutton and Alan Smith describing it as “one of the greatest disgraces in modern European football” in media commentary.
Under caretaker manager McFarlane, Chelsea drew 1-1 against Manchester City on Sunday.
Rosenior’s arrival marks a new chapter for Chelsea as they aim to build on their recent achievements and push for domestic and European success.