According to sources who spoke with ESPN, Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior is the front-runner to replace Enzo Maresca as Chelsea’s head coach. Following what insiders characterize as a breakdown in the relationship between the Italian and senior club leaders, the Blues severed ways with Maresca on Thursday.
Although he is not a candidate for the position, Academy manager Calum McFarlane is scheduled to address the media on Friday prior to Chelsea’s trip to Manchester City. According to sources who spoke with ESPN, Rosenior is the front-runner in a narrow field. The 41-year-old is making an impression internally since BlueCo, the same investment firm that was put up to buy Chelsea in 2022, owns Strasbourg.
Roberto de Zerbi is not being considered, despite the Marseille manager having interviewed before Maresca was appointed in 2024, despite sources being eager to emphasize that Rosenior is not the only candidate. Along with Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, sources have also ruled out a transfer for former Chelsea footballer and current Como manager Cesc Fabregas.
Liam Rosenior breaks silence on replacing Enzo Maresca
Rosenior has frequently orchestrated noteworthy triumphs over Marseille, Olympique Lyonnais, and Paris Saint-Germain. It’s unclear if he will be appointed as Maresca’s long-term successor.
Rosenior spoke with French reporters on Friday in advance of Strasbourg’s Ligue 1 match against OGC Nice. In response to inquiries regarding his potential relocation to London, the 41-year-old said, “I’m going to talk about Nice because that’s my job.”
“There are no guarantees in life. You never know what the future holds. I’m only carrying out my duties. There has already been conjecture. I’m having fun here every day, but I’m not sure how long I’ll be here. As long as I’m here, I plan to keep doing this. I adore this club, but I have no guarantees. No one is able to.
Rosenior added: “It’s easy—I want to perform my work here. As of right now, I am the manager of Strasbourg, and I am committed to my role.Because we belong to the same group, there are exchanges,” he said. “To be honest, there are things in life that you cannot control. I may claim that I’ll work here for years before being let go.”
