Liam Rosenior has told a press conference in Strasbourg that he has a verbal agreement in place with Chelsea and he will be the Premier League club’s new head coach.
The 41-year-old said no contract has been signed but Chelsea are expected to confirm the move later today following talks over the weekend in London.
Both Strasbourg and Chelsea are owned by BlueCo, paving the way for a smooth transition for Rosenior to replace Enzo Maresca, who was sacked on New Year’s Day.
“It looks like I’m going to be the next manager of that football club [Chelsea],” Rosenior said this morning.
“I haven’t signed yet, I have agreed verbally with Chelsea. It’s really important, this is different to anything anyone has ever done – nobody has made a statement before they have signed a contract.
“Everything is agreed and it will probably go through in the next few hours. I’m here because I care about this club and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on.”
Remarkable rise to prominence for Rosenior
Rosenior joined Strasbourg in 2024 after spells as head coach at Hull and Derby and leaves with the Alsace club seventh in the Ligue 1 standings after a run of five league games without a win.
He added: “The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career. I have met some incredible people and created some incredible memories and made history.
“None of that happens without the investment of our ownership and hard work of our president.
“I have had interest from many clubs, including Champions League clubs, which I have always been open with to [our president] Marc [Keller] and our ownership.
“I will love this club for the rest of my life but I cannot turn down Chelsea.”
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