Rosenior Emerges as Leading Candidate for Chelsea Manager Role

omidbasir- Liam Rosenior has reportedly become Chelsea’s leading candidate to succeed Maresca, following the latter’s surprising exit from the club on New Year’s Day. Maresca’s departure came amid a string of poor performances and deteriorating relations with the club’s ownership.

In the interim, Chelsea’s Under-21 coach, Calum McFarlane, is poised to assume managerial duties for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Manchester City on Sunday, while the club continues its search for a permanent replacement for Maresca. Rosenior has not dismissed the possibility of leaving Strasbourg for Chelsea, and he recently provided an update amidst ongoing speculation regarding a potential move back to England.

Speaking to reporters after Strasbourg’s 1-1 draw with Nice, Rosenior commented, “Honestly, I don’t know. Life is unpredictable. It’s difficult to articulate the bond I share with this team. I feel valued and have cherished this role from the beginning. My answer remains unchanged: I don’t know. There are no concrete discussions at this time. I want to concentrate on the current team and this magnificent club. Whatever the future holds, I must remain focused on the present. Strasbourg is a beautiful city with wonderful people, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. The players have been exceptional, and I genuinely wish the best for this club.”

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has weighed in on the potential of Rosenior taking the helm at Chelsea, expressing admiration for his achievements thus far. In remarks to Betfair, Shearer stated, “Liam Rosenior has had a commendable stint at Strasbourg. His dismissal from Hull under unusual circumstances hasn’t tarnished his reputation. The crucial question is whether he is prepared for a role of Chelsea’s magnitude and fully understands the challenges involved. We’ve seen recent hires struggle, like Graham Potter, despite their promise.

“I recognize the desire for a young, ambitious coach. Given Chelsea’s current direction, a high-profile manager may not fit their vision, which is likely why they’re exploring options with potential rather than established names. It would be fantastic for a young English manager to step into this role. His decision to gain experience abroad reflects his ambition. Although his tenure at Hull ended oddly, his willingness to learn in a different environment is commendable.

“Rosenior will need to carefully consider if this opportunity aligns with his career trajectory, but Chelsea is a prestigious club competing for trophies, making it difficult to decline. The next manager will undoubtedly face the goal of securing a top-four finish; winning the league appears unlikely given the current dominance of City and Arsenal. Qualifying for the Champions League is imperative.”

Chelsea’s next match against title-contending Manchester City poses a significant challenge, and the new manager, once appointed, will encounter a packed schedule to start 2026, including an FA Cup clash against Charlton and a Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal. The Blues will also navigate Premier League matches against Fulham, Brentford, Crystal Palace, and West Ham, along with Champions League fixtures against Pafos and Napoli.