Rosenior Set for Chelsea Job as Talks Reach Advanced Stage
Chelsea are closing in on Liam Rosenior as their new head coach after the Strasbourg manager travelled to London for final contract discussions, just days after Enzo Maresca was dismissed. With negotiations accelerating, the 41-year-old is now expected to take charge in time for Chelsea’s midweek Premier League clash against Fulham.
Rosenior has emerged as Chelsea’s leading candidate almost immediately following Maresca’s exit, helped by the shared BlueCo ownership structure between the two clubs. Sources indicate the former Brighton defender has moved ahead of other options, with the process now at an advanced stage behind the scenes.
The timing has fuelled speculation throughout the weekend, especially after Rosenior was spotted flying from Strasbourg to London alongside club president Marc Keller and sporting director David Weir. While no official contract has yet been signed, all indications point toward an imminent appointment.
Chelsea’s urgency reflects both recent instability and the need for continuity. Rosenior impressed last season by guiding Strasbourg into a Europa Conference League place, earning praise for his tactical organisation, player development, and calm leadership. At Stamford Bridge, he would inherit a squad in transition and a club eager to reset after another managerial change.
The atmosphere around Rosenior’s final days in Strasbourg has been tense but respectful. He maintained focus during their Ligue 1 draw away at Nice, keeping attention on match preparation while questions about his future dominated the build-up. Internally, Strasbourg have already begun planning for life after him.
On the pitch, Strasbourg showed discipline and structure against Nice, mirroring many of the traits that attracted Chelsea. Rosenior’s side stayed compact, managed key moments well, and leaned on collective responsibility rather than individual stardom, a hallmark of his coaching identity.
Off the field, key developments gathered pace. French outlet L’Equipe reported that discussions between Rosenior’s representatives and Chelsea were further along than publicly acknowledged. His presence in London has only strengthened expectations that an agreement is close.
Should the move be finalised, Rosenior is expected to bring assistant coaches Khalifa Cissé and Justin Walker with him to west London. In the short term, Strasbourg’s training sessions will be overseen by Filipe Coelho and Jean-Marc Kuentz, while Minnesota United head coach Eric Ramsay has been identified as a potential successor.
For Chelsea, the appointment would mark another decisive shift in direction, with a young, progressive coach trusted to stabilise the project. For Rosenior, it represents the biggest step of his managerial career, with his immediate task likely to be guiding the Blues through a tricky away test at Fulham as a new era begins.