Follow Us on Google
Liam Rosenior has been announced as Chelsea’s new head coach on a contract until 2031 with an option for a further year.
The Strasbourg manager admitted at a surprise press conference in France this morning that he had agreed verbally to take over the Premier League club, with his appointment now confirmed.
Rosenior is expected to board a private jet from Strasbourg landing at Farnborough Airport imminently ahead of his official unveiling.
The 41-year-old’s first game in charge of the Blues will come in the FA Cup on Saturday against Charlton Athletic, with caretaker manager Calum MacFarlane overseeing Wednesday evening’s West London derby against Fulham.
Rosenior said in a statement released by Chelsea on Tuesday morning: ‘I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of Chelsea Football Club. This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies.
‘My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play as we continue winning trophies. To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job. I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves.
‘I believe deeply in teamwork, unity, togetherness and working for one another, and those values will be at the heart of everything we do. They will be the foundation of our success.
‘I am excited to work with this extremely talented group of players and staff, to build strong connections on and off the pitch, and to create an environment where everyone feels united and driven by the same goal.’
The former Hull City manager will bring his two assistants Kalifa Cisse and Justin Walker with him to Stamford Bridge.
Strasbourg president Marc Keller fought hard to keep the Englishman in position, but ultimately failed.
He joins a growing list of stars to move between BlueCo-owned clubs Strasbourg and Chelsea, with both Julio Enciso and Ben Chilwell swapping Stamford Bridge for the Stade de la Meinau last summer alone.
It’s something the Strasbourg Supporters’ Federation have this morning raised alarm about in a statement criticising Rosenior’s departure.
It read: ‘The transfer of Liam Rosenior marks another humiliating step in Racing’s subservience to Chelsea. For two and a half years, along with others, we have been trying to raise the alarm about this.
‘The problem goes far beyond the mid-season sporting impact and the ambitions of a young coach. It is structural; the future of French club football is at stake.
He said: ‘On Saturday, I didn’t know what was going to happen. What has happened since is that I have been allowed to speak with one of the biggest clubs in the world.
‘Now, on this day, it looks like I’m going to be the next manager of that football club. This opportunity for me is something that I cannot turn down in my life right now.
