Chelsea have officially confirmed the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, handing the 41-year-old a long-term contract that will run until 2032.
Rosenior replaces Enzo Maresca, who departed the club on New Year’s Day and becomes the latest managerial choice under the BlueCo ownership group, which also controls French side Strasbourg. Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League ahead of Wednesday’s London derby away to Fulham.
The former Hull City boss had earlier confirmed that he had reached a verbal agreement to leave Strasbourg for Stamford Bridge, admitting the opportunity to manage the Club World Cup champions was simply too big to turn down.
Despite being dismissed by Hull City in the 2023/24 season after missing out on the Championship play-offs, Rosenior has rebuilt his reputation impressively in France. During a season and a half with Strasbourg, he guided the club to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 and secured UEFA Conference League qualification in the 2024/25 campaign.
Strasbourg have continued their strong form this season and are once again pushing for European football. They also topped their Conference League group with 16 points from six matches, including a notable victory over Crystal Palace, further enhancing Rosenior’s growing reputation as a progressive coach.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Rosenior expressed his pride at taking on the role.
“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club. This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies,” he said.
“My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play, as we continue winning trophies.
“To be entrusted with this role means the world to me, and I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves.”
Chelsea, in a statement, highlighted Rosenior’s tactical clarity and leadership qualities.
“Liam has shown he can build teams with a clear way of playing while setting the highest standards on and off the pitch.
“While player development remains a key focus, the club’s expectations and ambitions are unchanged. Liam has the ability to get the best out of this squad quickly and will be fully backed to ensure Chelsea continues to compete at the highest level.”
Rosenior will not take charge of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Fulham on Wednesday. His first match as head coach will be Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Charlton Athletic.
During his time in Ligue 1, Rosenior averaged 1.59 points per game, making him the third most successful Strasbourg coach to manage multiple matches in the competition, behind Fritz Kerr and Pepi Blum.
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