LONDON, Jan. 6, 2026 — Chelsea have confirmed Liam Rosenior as their new head coach on a contract running to 2032, replacing Enzo Maresca, who left the club on New Year’s Day after an 18-month spell marked by major trophies but growing tension behind the scenes.
Rosenior, 41, said earlier on Tuesday that he had “verbally agreed” to take the role, speaking at a farewell press conference at Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. Chelsea later formally announced the appointment, with Rosenior calling it a career-defining opportunity.
“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club,” Rosenior said in a club statement, describing Chelsea as a team with “a proud history of winning trophies” and pledging to protect the club’s identity while continuing to compete for silverware.
The move draws immediate attention because Rosenior has only three years of senior managerial experience and has never coached in the Premier League, stepping into one of England’s most scrutinised jobs. He joins from Strasbourg, a club owned by the same BlueCo consortium that purchased Chelsea in 2022 and said he wanted to address Strasbourg reporters in person before departing because of his affection for the French side.
Chelsea’s decision follows Maresca’s abrupt exit despite a first season that included winning the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup, with Reuters also reporting the Italian helped secure Champions League qualification. However, Reuters said the club’s recent form — one win in seven Premier League matches — and disagreements with senior figures contributed to his departure.
Rosenior will become Chelsea’s fourth permanent head coach since the Boehly-Clearlake ownership took control in 2022, underlining the pressure he faces to deliver quickly and stabilise the project. The Guardian reported that his move required careful internal handling because BlueCo must balance the interests of both clubs, and noted criticism in France from supporters opposed to multi-club ownership models.
Chelsea’s immediate schedule offers little time for a gentle transition. Sky Sports reported Rosenior’s first match in charge is expected to be an FA Cup tie against Charlton, while the club also has key league fixtures ahead as it chases Champions League places.
For Rosenior, the task is clear: convince a demanding fan base and a restless media spotlight that a coach with a modest top-flight résumé can translate his reputation for modern coaching and player development into results at Stamford Bridge.
