Liam Rosenior is on the brink of being confirmed as Chelsea's new head coach after flying back to France for a significant farewell event with his current club, Strasbourg.
Farewell Press Conference Scheduled
The 41-year-old manager has returned to Strasbourg following advanced discussions with Chelsea's hierarchy. The French Ligue 1 side has called a surprise press conference for Tuesday morning at the Stade de la Meinau.
Barring any dramatic, last-minute changes, this briefing is anticipated to be Rosenior's official goodbye. It will provide him with a platform to thank the club and its staff personally before his expected departure.
Swift Negotiations Lead to Appointment
Rosenior spent Monday locked in negotiations with Chelsea's decision-makers after emerging as the leading candidate to succeed Enzo Maresca. The club moved quickly to identify a replacement following Maresca's recent exit, aiming for a swift resolution.
Chelsea sources have confirmed that interim boss Calum McFarlane will stay in temporary charge for the team's upcoming Premier League fixture. The Blues travel to face Fulham on Wednesday evening.
McFarlane's Interim Role Continues
The 37-year-old caretaker manager is also scheduled to address the media from Chelsea's Cobham training base on Tuesday lunchtime. McFarlane oversaw a commendable 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Sunday, secured by a stoppage-time Enzo Fernandez equaliser.
That result was achieved against considerable odds. The makeshift coaching team also had to contend with the loss of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to illness and defender Wesley Fofana to injury in the build-up to the match at the Etihad Stadium.
With the Fulham game handled by McFarlane, Rosenior's first match in charge is likely to be this weekend's FA Cup tie away at Charlton Athletic, as Chelsea's search for a permanent manager reaches its conclusion.
