Liam Rosenior has confirmed he has verbally agreed to become Chelsea’s new manager, paving the way for his imminent move to Stamford Bridge.
The 41-year-old Englishman is set to replace Enzo Maresca, who left the club on New Year’s Day. Speaking after Strasbourg’s 1-1 draw with Nice on Saturday, Rosenior revealed that only final formalities remain.
“I cannot turn down this opportunity to join an incredible club, incredible squad who are Club World Cup champions,” Rosenior said.
“I haven’t signed yet. Everything is agreed and it will probably go through in the next few hours,” he added.
Rosenior joined Strasbourg in July 2024 and guided the French side to seventh place in Ligue 1 last season, securing European football for the first time in eight years. His final match ended in a draw, Strasbourg’s fifth league game without a win, leaving them seventh domestically and top of their Conference League group.
Strasbourg are part of the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital-owned BlueCo multi-club group, which also controls Chelsea, easing negotiations between the two clubs.
Rosenior confirmed he will be joined in west London by Strasbourg first-team coach Kalifa Cisse, assistant head coach Justin Walker and head of analysis Ben Warner.
“I’m here because I care about this club [Strasbourg] and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on,” he said.
Reflecting on his time in France, Rosenior added: “The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career. I will love this club for the rest of my life but I cannot turn down Chelsea.”
The former Fulham and Hull City defender has never managed in the Premier League but has previously coached Derby County and Hull in the Championship. He insisted he feels ready for the step up.
“I would not have accepted the Chelsea job if I was not ready,” Rosenior said. “There are clubs you just cannot turn down. I hope the Strasbourg fans can see that and be proud of that.”
He also revealed he had attracted wider interest before opting for Chelsea.
“I have had interest from many clubs, including Champions League clubs, which I have always been open with to [our president] Marc [Keller] and our ownership,” he said.
Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League ahead of Wednesday’s London derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Caretaker manager Calum McFarlane oversaw a 1-1 draw away to Manchester City in the club’s last outing.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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