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Chelsea has moved swiftly to replace Enzo Maresca, appointing Liam Rosenior as head coach just days after the New Year. The former Strasbourg boss has committed to a five-and-a-half-year term and will begin his transition immediately, watching from the stands during Wednesday's clash with Fulham. After taking the reins for his first practice on Thursday, Rosenior will lead the Blues into their FA Cup campaign against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
"I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club," Rosenior said.
"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."
Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane said he briefly spoke to Rosenior on Monday night.
"I wouldn't be giving him any advice because he is a really accomplished coach," McFarlane said.
"I am here to support him but I won't be giving him any advice."
Earlier on Tuesday, in his last news conference as Strasbourg manager, Rosenior confirmed he had "agreed verbally" to take over at Chelsea.
"I cannot turn down this opportunity to join an incredible club, an incredible squad who are Club World Cup champions," Rosenior said.
Strasbourg are part of the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital-owned BlueCo multi-club ownership group that also controls Chelsea.
Rosenior said Strasbourg first-team coach Kalifa Cisse, assistant head coach Justin Walker and head of analysis Ben Warner will join him at Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior was appointed by Strasbourg in July 2024 and guided the French club to seventh in Ligue 1 last season, securing European football for the first time in eight years.
His final match was a 1-1 draw at Nice on Saturday, their fifth league game without a win. They are seventh in Ligue 1 and top of the Conference League.
"The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career," Rosenior said.
Former Fulham and Hull City defender Rosenior has never managed in the Premier League.
