Chelsea Appoints Liam Rosenior as New Manager in Major Long-Term Deal
Chelsea have officially announced Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, securing his services with an unexpectedly extended contract running until 2032.
The London club parted ways with Enzo Maresca on January 1st following escalating disagreements between the manager and ownership that became untenable, promptly turning their attention to Rosenior, who was already within the BlueCo network at French club Strasbourg.
Following discussions, Rosenior traveled back to Strasbourg for a Tuesday morning media briefing, where he said his goodbyes to the club and announced his imminent move to become Chelsea's new head coach.
Rosenior has now put pen to paper and been officially presented as the Blues' manager on an extended deal.
During his media appearance, Rosenior also revealed he would bring along his two coaching assistants. Kalifa Cissé, a former defender who played for clubs including Reading, Bristol City and Derby, will join Rosenior at Chelsea along with Justin Walker and analysis chief Ben Warner.
"I feel incredibly privileged and honored to be named Head Coach of Chelsea Football Club," Rosenior stated on the club's official website after his confirmation. "This is an organization with a distinctive character and an impressive tradition of claiming silverware.
"My responsibility is to preserve that culture and develop a squad that embodies these principles in every match we contest as we pursue further trophy success. Being trusted with this position means everything to me and I wish to thank everyone involved for this chance and confidence in taking on this role. I will dedicate everything to deliver the achievements this club merits.
"I have strong faith in collaboration, solidarity, togetherness and supporting each other, and these principles will be central to all our activities. They will form the basis of our achievements.
"I look forward to collaborating with this exceptionally skilled group of players and staff, to forge solid relationships both on and off the field, and to establish an atmosphere where everyone feels connected and motivated by the same objective.
"There exists genuine determination to succeed, and I will commit everything, each day, to assist this team compete and triumph at the pinnacle to make everyone associated feel proud to be part of Chelsea Football Club.
"I want our supporters to take pride in our identity and what we stand for in every match we participate in. They represent the heart of this massive, legendary and significant football institution. I'm eager to meet you all. I'm excited to begin."
When Will Liam Rosenior Take Charge of His First Chelsea Match?
Chelsea play on Wednesday, traveling the short distance to Craven Cottage to meet Fulham. While not yet officially confirmed, Calum McFarlane, the Under-21 manager who guided the team in their 1–1 stalemate with Manchester City, is anticipated to continue overseeing that match before returning to his original role.
Rosenior is likely to be present at the Fulham game before assuming control of training sessions prior to the FA Cup third round clash with Charlton Athletic on January 10th.
Four days following that, Chelsea face a crucial Carabao Cup semifinal first leg at Stamford Bridge against Arsenal, before Rosenior's inaugural Premier League encounter arrives at home versus Brentford on January 17th.
A fourth separate competition within 11 days awaits Chelsea on January 21st as the Blues welcome Cypriot First Division team Pafos in the Champions League, with Rosenior requiring victory to enhance the squad's chances of direct qualification to the next round.