Chelsea have officially appointed Liam Rosenior as Enzo Maresca‘s replacement, bringing an end to days of speculation following the Italian’s departure on New Year’s Day.
The 41-year-old joins from Strasbourg, another club within the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital-owned BlueCo ownership group, after verbally agreeing terms earlier this week before the move was formally confirmed on Tuesday.
Rosenior’s appointment follows a farewell in France, where he addressed the media in person ahead of the official Chelsea announcement, out of respect for Strasbourg and their supporters, before completing his switch to Stamford Bridge.
“I cannot turn down this opportunity to join an incredible club, incredible squad who are Club World Cup champions,” the newly announced Chelsea manager said during the briefing.
“I’m here because I care about this club [Strasbourg] and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on.”
Enzo Maresca’s Replacement: From Strasbourg Success to Stamford Bridge
Rosenior joined Strasbourg in July 2024 and quickly made an impact. During his tenure, he guided the club to seventh place in Ligue 1, securing European football for the first time in eight years.
He has led Strasbourg to the top of their Conference League group this season, underlining his growing reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches.
Reflecting on his time in France, the new Chelsea manager described the spell as the highlight of his career.
“The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career,” he said. “I will love this club for the rest of my life but I cannot turn down Chelsea.”
Chelsea confirmed that Enzo Maresca’s replacement, Rosenior, has signed a long-term contract running until 2032, with the club citing his alignment with their long-term vision and focus on development as key factors behind the appointment.
“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Liam Rosenior as head coach of the men’s team,” the club said in a statement.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Fantasy Football Matchweek 21: Buy, Sell, Injury Report
Familiar Faces Join Him New Chelsea Manager London
Rosenior will not arrive alone at Stamford Bridge. Several members of his Strasbourg backroom staff will also make the move, including first-team coach Kalifa Cissé, assistant head coach Justin Walker and head of analysis Ben Warner.
The continuity is expected to help the new Chelsea manager settle quickly as he begins work with Chelsea’s young squad during a demanding phase of the season.
Sources close to the club have cited that Rosenior has already been working closely with Chelsea’s sporting department behind the scenes ahead of his first match in charge.
Immediate Test Against Fulham
Rosenior takes over a Chelsea side currently sitting fifth in the Premier League table and in the tight race for Champions League qualification.
His first challenge comes against Fulham on Wednesday, January 7 – a club he represented as a player.
Supporters will now be watching closely to see how quickly the new Chelsea manager can stamp his identity on the team, as the club enters a crucial stretch of the season with momentum and expectations firmly in place.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PsnewZ
Recording Date: 06.01.2026
