Liam Rosenior Emerges as Front-Runner for Chelsea Head Coach Position

In 2024, Strasbourg appointed Liam Rosenior, coinciding with Enzo Maresca’s arrival at Chelsea. Following Maresca’s departure from Chelsea, the club is actively seeking a new head coach, with Rosenior identified as the leading candidate.

Maresca, aged 45, left his position amid escalating tensions with the club’s management. As Chelsea commences the search for his successor, sources indicate that Rosenior, the current manager of Strasbourg, is at the forefront of considerations. However, it is noted that other candidates are also being evaluated.

Rosenior, 41, has garnered significant support within Chelsea, particularly since his current team is backed by BlueCo, the consortium that acquired Chelsea in 2022. His successful tenure at Hull City and subsequent performance at Strasbourg, including a noteworthy seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 that secured European competition, has elevated his profile.

Despite recent struggles, with Strasbourg losing three out of four matches, the club remains a contender in European competitions. Additionally, Rosenior’s reputation for player development and effective management has made him a sought-after figure in the football community, with speculation of interest from clubs like Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

The potential transfer of Rosenior could provoke unrest among Strasbourg fans, who have expressed concerns about being viewed as a “feeder club” for Chelsea.

Other names being considered for the Chelsea position include Francesco Farioli, currently managing Porto, and Roberto de Zerbi, who previously made a significant impact at Brighton. McKenna, who has previously been interviewed for the role, is also noted for his strong connections with Chelsea’s management.

As the search for a new head coach continues, Chelsea’s ownership is reportedly keen on selecting a candidate who aligns with the club’s desired style of play. This focus could limit their options, particularly regarding managers like Oliver Glasner.

While Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali has been seen in discussions with de Zerbi, there are questions about whether he would leave a successful Marseille side. Similarly, Farioli’s impressive start with Porto, where he has led the team to the top of the Primeira Liga, makes him a compelling option, albeit with a reported £13m buyout clause.

Finally, former Chelsea player Frank Lampard is also performing well with Coventry in the Championship, though his previous managerial stints at Chelsea were less than stellar. A return for Lampard could appease certain segments of the fanbase, should the ownership consider him.