Liam Rosenior has officially begun his tenure as Chelsea's new head coach, using his first interview to pay tribute to the three managerial figures who shaped his career. The 41-year-old was appointed less than a week after Enzo Maresca's sudden departure on New Year's Day, stepping into one of football's most demanding roles.
Family First: A Father's Lasting Influence
In a confident discussion with Chelsea's official website on Wednesday, Rosenior immediately highlighted the profound impact of his father, Leroy Rosenior. The former Torquay United boss managed between 1996 and 2007, during the early part of Liam's playing career. "Well, he would kill me if I didn't say my dad!" Rosenior joked. "He got Torquay promoted from League Two playing a style of football that I believe in." He described his father as his ultimate role model.
Philosophical Inspirations from the Premier League
Rosenior's coaching education extends beyond his family. He credited two other significant influences: Brendan Rodgers and Chris Hughton. Rodgers, who once worked in Chelsea's academy, deeply affected Rosenior's thinking during his time as a player at Reading. Hughton was his manager at Brighton between 2015 and 2018, where Rosenior ended his playing days. The new Chelsea boss praised Hughton's humility, stating these experiences taught him that coaching is as much about understanding people as it is about football.
"Coaching is just about football; it is about people, understanding people and trying to get the best out of them," Rosenior explained. "That's what I want to do here."
The Task Ahead: Belief and Immediate Action
Rosenior, who has signed a contract until 2031 with an option for an extra year, faces immense pressure at Stamford Bridge. The club are reigning Club World Cup holders and are back in the Champions League. His first match in charge will be this Saturday's FA Cup tie against Charlton Athletic, with caretaker Calum MacFarlane overseeing Wednesday's derby against Fulham.
In a direct message to the Chelsea supporters, Rosenior issued a simple plea: 'Believe'. He urged fans to believe in the club and the players, emphasising that their energy is crucial to winning. "We're here to win and I really, really need the fans to help us achieve that," he concluded, signalling his readiness for the monumental challenge.
