Chelsea Football Club has officially announced the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new first-team manager. The 41-year-old British coach has signed a long-term contract with the Blues, committing his future to the London club until the summer of 2032.
A New Era Begins at Stamford Bridge
The move was confirmed on Tuesday after Rosenior departed his role at French Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg. He arrives at Chelsea tasked with reviving the fortunes of a club that has seen significant managerial turnover in recent years. Rosenior becomes only the second Black manager in Chelsea's long history, following in the footsteps of Dutch legend Ruud Gullit.
Rosenior's reputation soared after a transformative spell at Strasbourg, where he implemented an attack-minded philosophy. He guided the French outfit to a commendable seventh-place finish last season, securing European qualification and a spot in the knockout phase of the UEFA Conference League.
Proven Developer with High Ambitions
In their official statement, Chelsea highlighted Rosenior's credentials. "Liam has shown that he can build teams with a clear way of playing while setting the highest standards with players on and off the pitch," the club said. "While there will continue to be a focus on player development, the club’s expectations and ambitions remain high."
Prior to his success in France, Rosenior served as an assistant coach at Derby County under Wayne Rooney, who praised his former colleague's "incredible" work ethic and meticulous attention to detail. Despite his coaching achievements, this marks Rosenior's first managerial role in the Premier League. He succeeds Enzo Maresca, who left the club after an 18-month tenure.
Personal Motivation and a Pressurised Stage
Chelsea currently sits fifth in the Premier League table, a significant 17 points behind leaders Arsenal. The role at Stamford Bridge presents a far more high-profile and pressurised challenge for Rosenior. Reflecting on the opportunity, the new manager expressed his excitement.
"I am excited to work with this extremely talented group of players and staff, to build strong connections on and off the pitch, and to create an environment where everyone feels united and driven by the same goal," Rosenior stated.
The move also carries deep personal significance for the father. "This opportunity for me is something I can’t turn down at this moment in my life… It means that I can go home and see my kids," he revealed. "I’m away from my children, I missed them. And I wanted to make the sacrifice of not seeing them worth it, with the success that we have here."
Son of former player and coach Leroy Rosenior, Liam enjoyed a 16-year professional playing career in England, representing clubs like Fulham, Reading, Hull City, and Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as the England Under-21s. He began his head coaching career at Hull City in 2022 before his move to Strasbourg in 2024.
Defending his decision to leave Strasbourg for Chelsea, Rosenior was unequivocal: "I don’t think anyone can question how hard I’ve worked for the club, my integrity in the way I’ve worked for this club. I don’t think anyone can question the decision I’ve made to move on with my career."
This appointment is viewed as a rare and significant top-level opportunity for a Black British coach in the Premier League. Chelsea's owners, BlueCo, will hope Rosenior can bring the stability and consistency that has been elusive, with the club having cycled through five permanent managers since their takeover in 2022.
