In his first official interview as Chelsea's new head coach, Liam Rosenior has opened up about the three key managerial figures who have shaped his philosophy, while issuing a rallying cry to the club's supporters.
From Stamford Bridge to Sierra Leone: A father's influence
Liam Rosenior, 41, was appointed as Chelsea's head coach less than a week after Enzo Maresca's shock departure on New Year's Day. The former Strasbourg boss, who has also managed Hull City and had an interim spell at Derby County, faces the biggest challenge of his coaching career in west London.
Speaking to Chelsea's official website on Wednesday, Rosenior immediately pointed to his father, Leroy Rosenior, as a foundational influence. The 61-year-old Leroy managed Gloucester City, Merthyr Tydfil, Torquay United, Brentford, and Sierra Leone over an 11-year period from 1996 to 2007.
"Well, my dad would kill me if I didn't say him!" Rosenior joked when asked about his childhood idols. "Your father is your role model. When I was 15 or 16, he managed Torquay United and got them promoted playing a style of football I believe in."
Rodgers and Hughton: Modern mentors for a new era
The new Blues boss didn't stop there, naming two other significant influences from the modern game. He highlighted the impact of former Liverpool and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who once worked at Chelsea's academy.
"Brendan Rodgers, who was here at Chelsea, really affected my way of thinking when I was a player at Reading," Rosenior explained.
He also praised Chris Hughton, under whom he played during the final years of his career at Brighton & Hove Albion between 2015 and 2018. Rosenior pointed to Hughton's humility as a key trait he aims to emulate.
"I've had head coaches, like the humility of Chris Hughton, and there are many different influences," he stated. "Management isn't just about football; it's about people, understanding them and trying to get the best out of them. That's what I want to do here."
A call to arms and the immediate challenge ahead
Rosenior, who has signed a contract until 2031 with an option for an additional year, faces immense pressure at a club that won the inaugural Club World Cup under Maresca last summer and is back in the Champions League.
He directly addressed the Chelsea fanbase with a message of unity. "Believe. Believe in an incredible football club. Believe in the players, because when you give energy to your team, you help them win," he urged.
His first match in charge will be this Saturday's FA Cup tie against Charlton Athletic. Interim boss Calum MacFarlane will oversee Wednesday's London derby against Fulham, following the weekend draw with Manchester City.
Rosenior concluded with a forward-looking statement: "That's why I'm here. That's why my staff are here. That's why the players are here. We are here to win, and I really need the fans to help us achieve that. I'm looking forward to meeting them."
