Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has confirmed that he has “agreed verbally” to take over as Chelsea manager, succeeding Enzo Maresca, who left the club on New Year’s Day.
The 41-year-old Englishman described the opportunity to manage Chelsea, the reigning Club World Cup champions, as one he could not turn down. “I cannot turn down this opportunity to join an incredible club, incredible squad,” Rosenior said.
Strasbourg and Chelsea are both part of the BlueCo multi-club ownership group, controlled by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, which facilitated the move. Rosenior clarified that while the deal is not yet formally signed, “Everything is agreed and it will probably go through in the next few hours.”
Showing his respect for Strasbourg, Rosenior visited the club in person before departing, stating: “I’m here because I care about this club and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on.”
He also revealed that several members of his Strasbourg staff will join him at Chelsea, including first-team coach Kalifa Cisse, assistant head coach Justin Walker, and head of analysis Ben Warner.
Rosenior joined Strasbourg in July 2024 and quickly made an impact, guiding the club to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, securing European football for the first time in eight years. His final match in charge was a 1-1 draw at Nice, marking Strasbourg’s fifth league game without a win. The club currently sits seventh in Ligue 1 and top of their Conference League group.
Reflecting on his time in France, Rosenior said: “The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career. I will love this club for the rest of my life, but I cannot turn down Chelsea.”
The former Fulham and Hull full-back has no prior Premier League managerial experience but has previously coached in the Championship with Derby County and Hull City. “I would not have accepted the Chelsea job if I was not ready,” he added. “There are clubs you just cannot turn down. I hope the Strasbourg fans can see that and be proud of that.”
Rosenior also noted that he had been approached by several clubs, including Champions League teams, and maintained transparency with Strasbourg’s president Marc Keller and the club’s ownership throughout the process.
Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League, ahead of their trip to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday, with caretaker manager Calum McFarlane in charge for their recent 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
