Chelsea have begun their search for a new head coach after confirming the departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day, with Liam Rosenior immediately installed as the leading candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca's Sudden Departure
The club announced on 1 January 2026 that they had "parted company" with the Italian manager. Maresca leaves after 92 games in charge, boasting a win rate of just under 60 percent. During his tenure, he guided Chelsea to victory in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
A club statement read: "With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track."
Rosenior's Premier League Dream
The 41-year-old Rosenior, currently managing French side Strasbourg, has emerged as the clear favourite for the vacancy. His appointment would be a straightforward process for Chelsea's ownership group, BlueCo, who also control Strasbourg. Rosenior is under contract until 2028.
In an interview with The Athletic in October 2025, Rosenior openly discussed his career ambitions. "Obviously, I would love to one day work back in the Premier League," he stated. "I would love to manage my country, I'd love to manage England one day." He emphasised, however, that his immediate focus remained on his current role.
A Lifelong Manchester United Fan
Interestingly, the London-born coach has previously revealed his lifelong allegiance to Manchester United, citing Sir Alex Ferguson as his hero. While managing Strasbourg against Aberdeen in the Europa Conference League this season, Rosenior expressed his awe at being in Ferguson's former dugout.
"This is a big thing for me," he said. "My hero in life, Sir Alex Ferguson... I was a Manchester United fan from birth so I walk up the stairs and I see all of the pictures at this stadium, it gives me goosebumps."
Rosenior's Coaching Journey
Rosenior's path to management began after he retired as a player at Brighton in 2018. His coaching career includes:
- Coaching Brighton's under-23 side.
- Becoming first-team coach at Derby County in 2019, later assistant manager under Wayne Rooney.
- A brief stint as Derby's interim manager in 2022.
- His first permanent managerial role at Hull City (November 2022 - May 2024), where he achieved a remarkable seventh-place finish after the club had been 19th the previous season.
- Taking over at Strasbourg in July 2024, improving their league position from 13th to seventh in his first campaign.
As a player, the former England Under-21 defender represented clubs including Bristol City, Fulham, Reading, Hull City, and Brighton.
The coming days are likely to see intense speculation as Chelsea move swiftly to appoint a successor, with Rosenior's name firmly at the centre of the conversation.
