Chelsea appoint Liam Rosenior as head coach on long-term deal

Chelsea have appointed Liam Rosenior as head coach on a 5½-year contract, and he leaves Strasbourg where he had been manager since July 2024.

Chelsea have announced Liam Rosenior as their new head coach on a 5½-year contract running to 2032. The 41-year-old leaves Strasbourg, where he had been manager since July 2024 and led them to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season. He replaces Enzo Maresca, who departed the club on Jan. 1. Rosenior said he plans to emphasise teamwork and unity and confirmed some members of his Strasbourg backroom staff will join him. Key facts: - Liam Rosenior was appointed Chelsea head coach on a 5½-year contract, reported to run until 2032. - He had been Strasbourg head coach since July 2024 and guided them to seventh place in Ligue 1 last season. - Enzo Maresca left Chelsea on Jan. 1 and interim duties were overseen by under-21s coach Calum McFarlane. - Rosenior confirmed that backroom staff including Kalifa Cisse and Justin Walker will move with him. - Portions of Strasbourg's supporters have been vocal in their opposition to BlueCo's multiclub ownership model and criticised moves between the clubs. Summary: Rosenior's appointment replaces Maresca and marks a long-term managerial commitment by Chelsea through 2032. The move ends Rosenior's time at Strasbourg and has prompted vocal reactions from some supporters; Chelsea are next scheduled to play Fulham in the Premier League on Wednesday.