Rosenior Dismisses Chelsea Links as Strasbourg Focus Remains Firm

Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior has played down speculation linking him with the vacant Chelsea job, insisting his focus remains on guiding the French side despite reports that he is the leading candidate to replace Enzo Maresca.

Maresca departed Stamford Bridge on Thursday after a poor run of form left Chelsea fifth in the Premier League, with just one win in their last seven matches. His exit followed reports of talks with Manchester City about potentially succeeding Pep Guardiola, leaving Chelsea’s hierarchy searching for a new manager.

Rosenior Responds to Speculation

Speaking ahead of Strasbourg’s Ligue 1 trip to Nice, Rosenior brushed aside the rumours. “I don’t take notice. If you’re a manager and you take notice of what’s being said in the media, you’ll probably go crazy,” he said. “My job is here. I love this club. I’m working to win the game tomorrow.”

While firm in his commitment, Rosenior acknowledged the speculation as a reflection of Strasbourg’s progress. “Of course, I’m aware that there’s speculation, but I think that’s a reflection of the great work everybody’s done at this football club,” he added.

Pressed on whether he would still be at Strasbourg in six months, Rosenior struck a more cautious note. “You cannot guarantee anything in life. In terms of interest from other clubs, I’ve had a lot of interest and a lot of approaches, which I’ve always been open with the club about,” he admitted. “My focus is always on the job that I am doing. But to say I’m definitely going to be somewhere or definitely going to do something, I don’t think that’s right, because in life, things happen.”

Managerial Journey

Rosenior’s rise has been swift. He began his full-time managerial career at Hull City in November 2022, taking over with the club struggling in 21st place in the Championship. Under his guidance, Hull lost just six more matches that season and climbed to 15th, before improving to seventh the following campaign.

His success earned him a move to Strasbourg, part of the BlueCo ownership group that also controls Chelsea. In his debut season, Rosenior guided the French side to a seventh-placed finish and European qualification. This term, Strasbourg sit seventh in Ligue 1 and top their Europa Conference League group, further enhancing his reputation.

Chelsea’s Search for Stability

Chelsea’s managerial situation remains uncertain, with interim boss Calum McFarlane preparing the squad for Sunday’s clash against Manchester City. Rosenior’s ties to BlueCo make him a natural candidate, but his reluctance to engage with speculation suggests he is determined to maintain focus on Strasbourg’s campaign.

The coming weeks will determine whether Chelsea’s hierarchy move decisively for Rosenior or explore alternative options. For now, the 40-year-old coach continues to build his reputation in France, while Chelsea face the challenge of stabilising their season after Maresca’s departure.