Chelsea Turn to Liam Rosenior as Maresca Era Ends Abruptly

Chelsea have moved swiftly into another period of transition after confirming Enzo Maresca’s departure on New Year’s Day, with Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior emerging as a surprise internal contender to take charge at Stamford Bridge.

The west London club ended Maresca’s tenure with immediate effect following a sharp downturn in results, bringing to a close an 18-month spell that began with promise but unravelled during a difficult December.

Chelsea’s form collapsed across the final weeks of 2025, with just two wins recorded from eight matches in all competitions. One came against League One Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup, leaving a solitary Premier League victory at home to Everton as the only domestic bright spot.

The decision is striking given Maresca’s success last season. He guided Chelsea to Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup glory while also securing Champions League qualification, achievements that initially appeared to have stabilised the club’s long-term direction.

Tensions behind the scenes, however, appear to have accelerated the split. Maresca publicly questioned the level of boardroom backing ahead of the Everton win, comments that reportedly unsettled Chelsea’s ownership group and shifted the balance decisively against him.

Those remarks are understood to have caught Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali off guard, with the hierarchy unwilling to tolerate public scrutiny of the club’s internal structure. The goodwill built during Maresca’s early months quickly dissipated, leading to the final call being made.

Attention has now turned toward Rosenior, who is currently overseeing Strasbourg under the BlueCo ownership umbrella. Chelsea believe they may already have a head coach within their multi-club system capable of stepping into the role.

Rosenior has impressed in Ligue 1 with a progressive approach built on playing out from the back, controlling possession, and encouraging expression even at the risk of mistakes. His coaching profile aligns closely with the footballing identity Chelsea have sought to establish in recent seasons.

The former Derby County and Hull City manager is also regarded as a strong communicator, comfortable managing the psychological and tactical demands of elite-level football. His emphasis on process, player development, and collective responsibility has earned praise in France.

Chelsea’s next steps are expected to move quickly as they look to arrest their slide and restore momentum during a congested fixture period. With domestic consistency again the priority, the appointment decision will shape the club’s immediate trajectory.

Whether Rosenior is handed the reins or remains a longer-term option, Chelsea’s latest managerial change underlines a familiar theme. The pressure to deliver instantly at Stamford Bridge remains relentless, and the next appointment will be judged not on promise, but on results.