Chelsea Fans Erupt in Fury Over 'Humiliating' Liam Rosenior Appointment
Liam Rosenior's transfer from Strasbourg to Chelsea has sparked intense criticism from one of the French club's supporter groups, who described the move as "degrading." The reaction from west London supporters wasn't entirely welcoming either.
Strasbourg's increasingly frustrated fanbase has strongly resisted BlueCo's control of the Ligue 1 club since the majority acquisition began in June 2023. The investment consortium that also operates Chelsea has openly utilized Strasbourg as a development club, creating a rotation of young players with the primary goal of strengthening the Premier League side at the cost of their French affiliate.
This friction reached its peak in September when Chelsea formally announced the signing of Strasbourg captain Emmanuel Emegha for his planned arrival in 2026. Fans displayed a banner at the club's following game stating: "Emegha, BlueCo's puppet. After switching jerseys, return your captain's armband."
Rosenior vigorously supported his captain following an episode he called "unacceptable" but has now drawn criticism from those same supporters after making an identical transition.
"Liam Rosenior's departure represents yet another degrading moment in Racing's submission to Chelsea," declared a statement from Strasbourg supporter organization Fédération Supporters RCS. "For two and a half years, alongside others, we have attempted to sound the warning about this situation.
"The issue extends well beyond the mid-season sporting consequences and the aspirations of a young manager. It is systemic; the future of French professional football is in jeopardy.
"Every additional compromise by [club president] Marc Keller, every extra moment spent leading the club, dishonors the exceptional work achieved before 2023. What many viewed as an outrageous suggestion last September increasingly appears to be wise counsel: he must resign. Immediately.
"The FSRCS will work closely with the three other organizations actively opposing multi-club ownership, along with all concerned parties, to determine future actions."
'Potter 2.0'—Chelsea Supporters' Response to Rosenior Hiring
Chelsea fans' reaction to Rosenior's appointment has been characterized by cautious skepticism.
Many voiced the attitude of offering Rosenior their backing "until he provides me a reason not to," which hardly represents enthusiastic endorsement.
Rosenior possesses the unique characteristic of maintaining a significant media profile from his time as an analyst and newspaper writer between managerial positions. Some viewpoints shared by the former player—including a forcefully written open letter to President Donald Trump—have attracted fan attention.
Nevertheless, the reception hasn't been entirely favorable.
Rosenior's limited experience at the highest level of English football management has generated particular worry. One strange piece of misinformation spreading across social media following his appointment saw multiple accounts falsely claim that the former Derby County and Hull City manager had never achieved three consecutive victories. Apparently the streak of five straight wins with Strasbourg between March and April 2025 doesn't qualify.
One especially harsh comparison drew parallels between Rosenior and Graham Potter, who was dismissed by Chelsea seven months into a five-year agreement.
"Rosenior appears to be a genuinely decent person and a sharp tactician. However, he lacks experience, both as a player and manager, at a major club. The pressure is completely different. It feels like Potter 2.0—pleasant but missing the toughness to survive at a club like Chelsea," one supporter told the BBC.
There is at least one distinction between Rosenior and Potter: the former has received a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.