Chelsea have announced the hiring of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach on a long-term contract.
The 41-year-old replaces Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge last week after a falling out with the club’s hierarchy.
In a surprising turn, Rosenior has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal that will take him to the end of the 2032/33 season.
The former Fulham and Brighton manager arrives at the Blues from Strasbourg, who he led to European qualification for the first time in 19 years last season.
This is only Rosenior’s fourth managerial role since retiring from his playing career in 2018, having also previously managed Derby County and Hull City.
Chelsea hand Liam Rosenior long-term deal as new head coach
In statement published on the Chelsea website, Rosenior said: “I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of Chelsea Football Club. This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies.
“My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play as we continue winning trophies. To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job. I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves.
“I believe deeply in teamwork, unity, togetherness and working for one another, and those values will be at the heart of everything we do. They will be the foundation of our success.
“I am excited to work with this extremely talented group of players and staff, to build strong connections on and off the pitch, and to create an environment where everyone feels united and driven by the same goal.
“There is a real hunger to win, and I will give everything, every single day, to help this team compete and win at the very highest level to make everyone connected and proud to be a part of Chelsea Football Club.
“I want our fans to be proud of who we are and what we represent in every single game that we play. They are the soul of this enormous, historic and huge football club.
“I cannot wait to meet you all. I cannot wait to get started.”
