In a dramatic turn of events at Stamford Bridge, Liam Rosenior has swiftly become the leading candidate to take the reins at Chelsea following the confirmed departure of manager Enzo Maresca.
The news broke on 2 January 2026, mere hours after Chelsea officially announced Maresca's exit. The Italian's tenure ended with the Blues winning just one of their last seven matches, leaving them three points adrift of the Premier League's top four.
A Surprise Front-Runner with BlueCo Links
While not a household name in elite European dugouts, Rosenior's emergence as a contender is not entirely unexpected. The 41-year-old Englishman is currently in charge at French Ligue 1 side Racing Club de Strasbourg, a club that, like Chelsea, is part of the BlueCo multi-club portfolio.
This shared ownership structure is seen as a key factor that could smooth any potential transition. However, the appointment would represent a monumental step up for Rosenior, who has never managed a Champions League club, and would be tasked with navigating Chelsea's precarious European position.
The Blues have 10 points from six Champions League league phase matches, with the final two games crucial for securing a play-off spot or a coveted top-eight finish.
Footballing Pedigree and Early Coaching Lessons
Rosenior comes from a deep footballing background. His father, Leroy Rosenior, was a professional for West Ham and Fulham before moving into management, most notably at Torquay United.
Liam's own playing career saw him make over 100 Premier League appearances for Fulham, Reading, Hull City, and Brighton & Hove Albion. His move into coaching began at Brighton, but it was at Derby County where he truly cut his teeth.
He initially served as assistant to Phillip Cocu before staying on to work under Wayne Rooney when the England legend took charge in November 2020. Rosenior experienced the harsh realities of management during this period, as Derby battled points deductions and eventual relegation, though his work was widely respected.
The Hull City Chapter: Success and a Shock Sacking
Rosenior's first managerial role came at his former club, Hull City, in November 2022. He inherited a team just one point above the Championship relegation zone and swiftly turned their fortunes around, guiding them to a comfortable 15th-place finish.
In his first full season, he then masterminded a remarkable campaign that saw the Tigers narrowly miss out on the play-offs. Despite this clear progress, Rosenior was controversially dismissed by chairman Acun Ilicali, who cited a "difference in opinions" over the team's style of play, demanding more attacking football.
Ilicali's prediction that Rosenior would "be very successful" elsewhere proved prescient. Hull struggled after his departure, while Rosenior's career trajectory continued upwards.
Proving His Mettle in Strasbourg
Rosenior took over at Strasbourg following Patrick Vieira's departure. After a mid-table finish the previous season, he implemented a strong defensive structure, overseeing a 12-match unbeaten run between February and early May 2025, during which his side conceded only seven goals.
Although two final-day defeats scuppered Champions League hopes, he secured European Conference League qualification—the club's first European adventure since 2019. This season, Strasbourg topped their Conference League group and started strongly in Ligue 1 before a recent dip in form.
The potential move to Chelsea would be the ultimate test for Rosenior, placing him at a club where expectations dwarf anything he has previously encountered. The question for Chelsea's hierarchy is whether his proven ability to organise teams, develop players, and handle adversity can translate to the relentless pressure of Stamford Bridge.
