Chelsea appoint Liam Rosenior as Enzo Maresca's replacement

Chelsea have appointed Liam Rosenior as the new head coach to replace Enzo Maresca, following the Italian manager’s departure on New Year’s Eve amid a series of poor results and a fallout with the club hierarchy.

Chelsea parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca on January 1, citing strained behind-the-scenes relationships between the two parties after just 18 months in charge.

The 45-year-old, during his somewhat short stint, won the Conference League and the Club World Cup, and then led the Blues back to the Champions League.

The Club confirmed the exit of the Italian tactician, thanking him for his services and contribution to their success, while wishing him well ahead of the future.

Immediately, the Strasbourg head coach, Rosenior, was linked to the hot seat at Stamford Bridge. BlueCo, the owners of Chelsea Football Club, reportedly placed the young coach as the leading contender to replace Maresca.

The English manager was spotted in the UK on Sunday, following Chelsea’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against title contenders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, thanks to a late equaliser from Enzo Fernandez.

Liam Rosenior has signed a long-term contract with Chelsea until 2032

Rosenior was scheduled for a formal interview on Monday to take up his new role. He has now been appointed as the new Chelsea head coach, signing a six-and-a-half-year contract with the London club.

The former Hull City, Brighton and Fulham player, Liam Rosenior, confirmed his Chelsea’s head coach role on Tuesday morning following talks on Monday.

Now, the 41-year-old will commence his new role in the Premier League as the Blues’ new head coach, replacing Maresca just a few days after the Italian’s exit.

Chelsea announces Liam Rosenior as new head coach (Image: Chelsea FC/Getty Images)

Rosenior takes over the helm of affairs at the “pressured” dugout of the West London club, hoping to revive and bring hope to the Chelsea fans following their poor run of form, having won just one game in their last eight.

The former Strasbourg head coach may not be one of European football’s big-name managers, or even a man with any experience managing a Champions League club, but one who is perceived to understand the direction the club is heading to.

Liam Rosenior in the dugout for former club Strasbourg (Image: Getty Images)

During his tenure as Strasbourg coach in the Ligue 1, Rosenior saw his side win 31, while recording 15 draws in 63 games for the French club.

Rosenior will take charge of Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Championship side Charlton Athletic.

Callum McFarlane, who was in the dugout for Chelsea over their 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Sunday, will oversee Wednesday’s Premier League game at Fulham.