Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has flown to London and is closing in on becoming Chelsea’s new head coach, with a formal announcement possible within days.
Liam Rosenior Arrives in London for Chelsea Manager Talks
The 41-year-old is the leading candidate to replace Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day after his relationship with the club’s leadership broke down.
Rosenior traveled to the UK on Sunday, accompanied by Strasbourg’s president and sporting director, for final negotiations.
An appointment could be confirmed in time for Chelsea’s Premier League match at Fulham on Wednesday.
Chelsea’s ownership group, BlueCo, which also controls Strasbourg, sees Rosenior as the ideal candidate to step into the vacancy.
He already understands the multi-club model and has worked with Chelsea’s sporting directors previously. His potential appointment reflects a continuity of strategy rather than a major external hire.
Rosenior, a former Premier League defender, guided Strasbourg to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.
He has impressed with a possession-based, high-pressing style that aligns with Chelsea’s desired philosophy.
Chelsea’s Under-21s coach, Calum McFarlane, took interim charge for Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City. After the match, he indicated the transition could be immediate.
“We’re training tomorrow,” McFarlane said.
“Unless I’m told otherwise… I’ll be taking that session… There’s a chance the new manager will be in on Monday”.
The draw at City, secured by a late Enzo Fernandez equalizer, highlighted the squad’s resilience amid a turbulent period.
However, Chelsea has won just once in its last eight league games and sits fifth in the table.
BlueCo is managing a sensitive transition for both clubs. The group did not engage Rosenior until after Strasbourg’s match on Saturday.
With Rosenior now in London, Strasbourg’s leadership is simultaneously interviewing candidates to replace him, with former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil on a shortlist.
If finalized, Rosenior’s first task will be to stabilize a talented but inconsistent squad and reignite Chelsea’s push for Champions League qualification.
