Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has publicly confirmed he is set to take the helm at Chelsea Football Club, in a major managerial shake-up for the Premier League giants.
Rosenior's 'Opportunity I Cannot Turn Down'
The 37-year-old coach stated he was given permission to speak with the London club and has now verbally agreed to a contract, though the deal is not yet formally signed. Rosenior described the impending move to Stamford Bridge as an 'opportunity I cannot turn down', labelling Chelsea as 'one of the biggest sporting clubs in the world'.
His departure from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg follows a notably successful period. Under his guidance, the French club secured a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 and topped their group in the UEFA Conference League this season.
Replacing Maresca and Bringing His Team
Rosenior is poised to replace Enzo Maresca, who left his role as Chelsea head coach on New Year's Day 2026. The transition is expected to be swift, with Rosenior not arriving alone.
He will be accompanied to west London by key members of his backroom staff, including assistants Kalifa Cisse and Justin Walker, as well as head of analysis Ben Warner. This suggests a desire for continuity and a quick implementation of his methods at Cobham.
What This Means for Chelsea and Strasbourg
The appointment, first reported on Tuesday 6th January 2026, marks a significant step for Chelsea's new project under their ownership. Opting for a young, progressive coach like Rosenior aligns with a longer-term vision, capitalising on his impressive work in France.
For Strasbourg, the search for a new manager begins immediately after losing a highly-rated coach who elevated their standing both domestically and in Europe. The move underscores the Premier League's continued pulling power for emerging managerial talent.
