Liam Rosenior Poised for Chelsea Managerial Role

Liam Rosenior, who served as Wayne Rooney’s assistant at Derby County, is being considered as a strong candidate for the managerial position at Chelsea. Rooney, reflecting on their collaborative experience, described Rosenior as one of the most capable coaches he has encountered.

Rosenior, currently the head coach of Strasbourg, arrived in London on Sunday night for discussions with Chelsea about potentially replacing Enzo Maresca, with negotiations reportedly at an advanced stage.

At just 41 years old, Rosenior’s coaching journey began after a solid playing career, which included stints with Brighton, Fulham, Reading, and Hull City. He transitioned into coaching with the Brighton under-23s before moving to Derby, where he worked alongside Rooney from 2021 to 2022. Following Rooney’s departure, Rosenior took on the interim managerial role at Derby before managing Hull City, where he narrowly missed out on the Championship play-offs before joining Strasbourg in 2024.

Rooney expressed his confidence in Rosenior’s abilities on the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show, stating, “He’s taken chances, and hopefully that pays off because I think Liam is as good a coach as I’ve ever worked with. His attention to detail and daily approach are exceptional.”

Reflecting on their partnership, Rooney noted, “Liam was incredibly important for me. I focused more on managerial duties and player relations, while he excelled in coaching. I learned a great deal from him.”

Rooney further emphasized that he has no doubts about Rosenior’s capability to lead Chelsea effectively. Maresca left his role after 18 months due to conflicts with the club’s ownership, leading to this opportunity.

Rosenior has a unique blend of strong coaching credentials and a formidable personality, attributes Rooney highlighted, stating, “He’s someone you don’t want to cross. If he takes this position, he won’t disappoint. He has been poised for an opportunity like this.”

Rooney also underscored the significance of having an English manager at a prominent club like Chelsea, noting that the current Premier League landscape features only a few English managers. This potential appointment would mark a significant step forward for young English coaches, leading the way in a predominantly foreign managerial landscape.