The search for Chelsea's next manager has taken a decisive turn, with Liam Rosenior emerging as the clear front-runner to succeed the departed Enzo Maresca. The 41-year-old's impressive work at French club Strasbourg has captured the attention of Chelsea's ownership, BlueCo, and his potential appointment could have major implications for one Blues forward in particular: Liam Delap.
A Proven Partnership from Hull City
For Delap, a £30 million signing from Ipswich Town last summer, a reunion with Rosenior could be the catalyst his stuttering Chelsea career desperately needs. The striker has managed just a single goal in 13 appearances this season, a campaign also disrupted by hamstring and shoulder injuries.
The pair share a strong history from their time together at Hull City during the 2023/24 season. Rosenior, then Hull's manager, was a vocal admirer of Delap's potential during his loan spell. "He is one of a kind and I love him," Rosenior said in November 2023. "He is probably the player who I shout at the most in training. But he is a player I enjoy working with a lot."
Under Rosenior's guidance, Delap found form and confidence, scoring eight goals from 26 starts. The manager's preference for a powerful, direct number nine aligns perfectly with Delap's attributes, offering a stark contrast to the peripheral role he often occupied under Maresca.
Rosenior's Tactical Blueprint and Chelsea Fit
Rosenior's candidacy is not based on sentiment alone. Since taking charge at Strasbourg in July 2024, he has overseen a remarkable transformation. Tasked with managing the youngest squad in Ligue 1, he guided them to a 7th-place finish and European qualification in his debut season, even flirting with a Champions League spot at one stage.
His tactical philosophy is a major draw for Chelsea. Rosenior employs a modern, possession-based approach focused on controlled build-up, aggressive pressing, and rapid transitions. He typically uses a 3-4-2-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation but is known for his adaptability, tailoring his setup to exploit opponents' weaknesses. This 'process-driven' style saw Strasbourg consistently outperform their expected points, turning them into one of Europe's most exciting young teams.
Broader Impact on Chelsea's Squad
Delap is not the only Chelsea player with positive experience of Rosenior's methods. Midfielder Andrey Santos flourished on loan at Strasbourg last term, scoring 11 goals and being crowned Ligue 1 Young Player of the Season. Furthermore, Strasbourg forward Emmanuel Emegha, who is scheduled to join Chelsea this summer, has netted 21 times in 40 games under Rosenior's tutelage.
At Chelsea, Delap's primary competition for the central striking role is Joao Pedro. However, Rosenior's tactical flexibility, which has included using a two-striker system, opens the possibility of the pair playing together, combining Delap's physical presence with Pedro's technical finesse.
While Strasbourg's form has dipped recently with three defeats in their last four Ligue 1 matches, Rosenior's overall project remains highly regarded. For Chelsea, his appointment would represent a commitment to a clear, developmental style. For Liam Delap, it could represent the clearest path yet to fulfilling his £30 million promise at Stamford Bridge.
