Chelsea are moving closer to appointing Liam Rosenior as their new head coach after the Strasbourg manager arrived in London for key discussions with club officials.
The 41-year-old flew from France on Sunday and is expected to meet Chelsea executives on Monday as talks progress over replacing Enzo Maresca, who recently left Stamford Bridge following a difficult end to his tenure. Rosenior has quickly emerged as the leading candidate since Maresca’s departure, with sources suggesting negotiations are now at an advanced stage.
Chelsea Board Favour Rosenior Appointment
Chelsea’s ownership group, BlueCo, which controls both Chelsea and Strasbourg, has been carefully managing the situation to avoid disruption at either club. Club insiders say BlueCo delayed formal talks until Strasbourg completed their Ligue 1 fixture against Nice, which took place on Saturday.
Liam Rosenior travelled to London alongside Strasbourg president Marc Keller and sporting director David Weir, underlining the cooperative approach between the two clubs. Chelsea’s board and sporting directors are understood to be strong admirers of Rosenior’s coaching philosophy, tactical approach, and player development record.
Interim Arrangements at Chelsea and Strasbourg
Chelsea are currently without a permanent manager, with Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane taking temporary charge during the club’s recent 1–1 draw with Manchester City. It remains unclear whether Rosenior could be confirmed in time to lead the team for their upcoming Premier League match away to Fulham on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Strasbourg are preparing contingency plans should Rosenior complete his move to London. Filipe Coelho and Jean-Marc Kuentz are expected to take interim responsibility. Former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil is reportedly being considered for the role on a permanent basis, while Eric Ramsay of Minnesota United has also been monitored.
Why Chelsea See Rosenior as a Strong Fit
Rosenior has built a growing reputation in European football for his progressive style, emphasis on youth development, and calm leadership. Since taking charge at Strasbourg, he has been praised for improving team structure and competitiveness in Ligue 1.
Chelsea’s hierarchy is believed to see Rosenior as a long-term project coach who aligns with the club’s focus on developing young talent while restoring stability after a period of managerial turnover.
Other Candidates Considered
Chelsea did explore other options following Maresca’s exit. Francesco Farioli of Porto remains highly rated, while Filipe Luís, currently managing Flamengo, was also discussed. Luís, a former Chelsea player, guided Flamengo to victory over Chelsea at last summer’s Club World Cup, further boosting his profile.
However, Rosenior’s familiarity with BlueCo’s multi-club structure and his recent success in France appear to have given him the edge.
What Happens Next
While no official announcement has been made, all signs point to Chelsea finalising the appointment soon. If confirmed, Rosenior would face immediate pressure to stabilise results and rebuild confidence as Chelsea look to regain consistency in the Premier League.
Fans are now waiting for confirmation that the club’s next chapter will be led by one of the most talked-about young coaches in European football.
