Rosenior Breaks Silence on Premier League Future as Chelsea Links Intensify
Liam Rosenior has offered little to quell speculation linking him with the Chelsea managerial position, reaffirming previous statements about his ambition to coach in England's top flight while refusing to dismiss the notion that Strasbourg's Ligue 1 stalemate against OGC Nice could have been his final game managing the French side.
Rosenior emerges as the leading candidate to succeed Enzo Maresca, whose unexpected exit was confirmed on January 1st after relations with Chelsea's hierarchy deteriorated beyond repair.
The London club is currently under the interim guidance of Under-21 manager Calum McFarlane, who will oversee at least Sunday's crucial Premier League encounter against Manchester City, while Rosenior supervised Strasbourg's journey to France's Mediterranean coast on Saturday.
Following the match, having previously faced Chelsea-related inquiries during pre-game media duties—where he maintained focus on his current role while offering "no assurances" about future developments—Rosenior encountered further questioning from regional journalists.
Reporters pressed him on earlier statements regarding Premier League management aspirations. When asked if those ambitions remained unchanged, he confirmed: "Absolutely." Rosenior continued: "I expect my squad to have ambition. Every manager aspires to operate at the pinnacle—I've never shied away from expressing that—and I'm currently working at an exceptional standard here."
The ex-Fulham centre-back emphasized his contentment with his Strasbourg position, yet remained notably open about potentially returning to the English capital.
"This is a magnificent city, filled with wonderful people, representing an excellent football club. I cherish everything about it. The squad members are extraordinary. I genuinely desire success for this organization," Rosenior stated, words that some observers might interpret as a goodbye message.
"I'm uncertain whether this represents my final fixture. In existence, certainty is rare," he continued.
"Nothing definitive exists regarding these conversations. They remain merely discussions. Whatever happens, happens."
Rosenior already operates within the BlueCo network, as Strasbourg has been under Chelsea's parent organization's control since 2023, frequently functioning as both a transfer partner and development club for the Premier League entity.
His potential appointment would mark another understated selection following the previous recruitment of Maresca after his successful Championship-winning campaign with Leicester. This approach contrasts sharply with Chelsea's historical pursuit of marquee names like José Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte, and Thomas Tuchel during previous ownership eras.
Chelsea Leadership Faces Supporter Backlash
The Chelsea executive team, with supporter frustration particularly targeting co-owner Behdad Eghbali and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, faces mounting criticism following the Maresca situation. Supporter organization Not a Project CFC is coordinating a demonstration against ownership scheduled for the Premier League fixture versus Brentford on January 17th, alleging BlueCo operates Chelsea "more like a commercial trading operation than a prestigious football institution."
Their protest statement declared: "This represents a peaceful, supporter-organized demonstration by Chelsea fans feeling increasingly alienated from our club's leadership and trajectory. This concerns neither individual squad members nor online debates. This isn't about targeting a single manager. This demonstration addresses the ownership structure and sporting framework currently directed by Behdad Eghbali at Chelsea Football Club.
"Following the acquisition, Chelsea has operated more like a commercial trading enterprise than an elite football institution, prioritizing turnover, speculation and future prospects over immediate competitive success.
"Accountability for this approach rests with current leadership: Behdad Eghbali, together with sporting directors Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart, Joe Shields, Sam Jewell and the remaining sporting management team.
"They have received responsibility for football strategy, player acquisition and squad development. Put simply, they have FAILED to achieve the excellence expected at an institution matching Chelsea's stature, heritage and aspirations."