Chelsea Football Club have officially unveiled Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, handing the 41-year-old a substantial six-year contract. This move comes swiftly after the departure of Italian manager Enzo Maresca and marks the latest chapter in the club's ongoing managerial reshuffle under the BlueCo ownership group.
A Swift Transition Facilitated by Shared Ownership
The club made the announcement on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Interestingly, Rosenior himself had already revealed the impending move earlier that day during his farewell press conference at French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. He confirmed a verbal agreement was in place, with the deal being finalised later the same day.
This smooth transition was aided by the fact that both Chelsea and Strasbourg are owned by BlueCo. Rosenior explained his decision to face the Strasbourg media personally, stating he cared for the club and wanted to answer questions directly before his departure.
Rosenior's Dream Move and Managerial Journey
In a statement released on Chelsea's website, an elated Rosenior expressed his honour at the appointment. "I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club," he said. "This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies. My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play."
Rosenior arrives at Stamford Bridge with three years of managerial experience but none in the Premier League. His coaching career began on the staff at Derby County before he took his first managerial role at Hull City in the Championship in 2022. After an 18-month spell there, he moved to Strasbourg in July 2024, guiding them to a seventh-place finish last season.
As a player, he featured in England's top two divisions for clubs like Fulham, Reading, and Hull City.
Filling the Void Left by Maresca's Exit
Rosenior was identified as the prime candidate to succeed Enzo Maresca, who was dismissed on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Maresca's exit came despite a successful first season where he led Chelsea to victory in the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup. Reports suggest his departure was due to internal tensions.
Following Maresca's exit, Chelsea's Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane took temporary charge, overseeing a 1–1 draw away at Manchester City on Sunday. Rosenior is now set for a swift introduction, with his first match in charge expected to be Wednesday's Premier League fixture away to Fulham.
This appointment makes Rosenior the fourth permanent head coach since the BlueCo consortium took control of Chelsea in 2022, underscoring the club's search for stability and success.
