As Liam Rosenior prepares for talks to become Chelsea's next head coach, his past writings offer a fascinating insight into the mind of the man poised to take the Stamford Bridge hotseat. During his three-year stint as a columnist for The Guardian while a Brighton & Hove Albion defender, Rosenior penned a series of thought-provoking pieces that revealed a forward-thinking, principled, and articulate football intellect.
Beyond the Touchline: Rosenior's Principles on and off the Pitch
Rosenior's columns, written between 2017 and 2020, covered a remarkable breadth of subjects far beyond mere match analysis. They showcased a deep concern for social issues within the sport and a sharp tactical brain. In one poignant piece from October 2017, he described witnessing the abuse levelled at West Ham's then-manager Slaven Bilic, an experience that made him question his own managerial ambitions. He noted Bilic's dignified response, waiting to congratulate each Brighton player post-match, highlighting the resilience required for the top job—a quality he will undoubtedly need at Chelsea.
His commitment to equality was powerfully expressed in a November 2017 column on LGBTQ+ inclusion. Rosenior recalled hearing a manager state a gay player wouldn't be selected, condemning such attitudes and expressing shame that men's football lacked an openly gay role model. This suggests Chelsea's dressing room, under his likely stewardship, would be an environment of respect, intolerant of dated macho banter.
A Tactical Vision: Set-Pieces, Midfield Maestros and Mid-Season Breaks
Rosenior's football philosophy shone through in his technical dissections. He hailed Michael Carrick as a master of receiving possession 'on the half turn,' signalling a clear appreciation for midfielders who control tempo and play intelligently between the lines. This admiration points to the type of player he may seek to develop or acquire in West London.
He also proved tactically prescient. During the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he identified how the introduction of VAR was changing defensive behaviours at set-pieces, leading to more chances from corners and free-kicks. He emphasised the growing crucial importance of dead-ball organisation, a trend that has only accelerated in football since.
Furthermore, Rosenior advocated for the strategic use of mid-season breaks, arguing in March 2018 that trips abroad could rejuvenate players physically through vitamin D and, more importantly, build vital team spirit through shared experiences. Chelsea's staff may well be advised to start planning a warm-weather training camp.
A Voice for Change: Championing Diversity and Confronting Politics
Perhaps most revealing were his columns on systemic issues. In December 2017, he warned of the risk of losing a generation of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) coaches, arguing for opportunities based on merit while highlighting the value of empathy and shared cultural understanding in coaching. One can expect him to use his prominent platform at Chelsea to continue advocating for greater diversity in football management.
Rosenior also demonstrated he does not believe sport and politics should be separated. In a searing June 2020 open letter to Donald Trump, written amid global protests after the killing of George Floyd, he held the then-US President responsible for racist rhetoric and expressed hope that the moment would catalyse lasting global change against discrimination.
It is important to note that views expressed in these columns may have evolved in the intervening years. However, collectively, they paint a portrait of a modern, socially conscious, and tactically astute coach. As talks progress, Chelsea fans and observers are not just getting a manager, but a profound thinker ready to leave his mark both on and off the pitch.
