Liam Rosenior Takes All Staff to Chelsea, Makes Emotional Farewell to Strasbourg

Chelsea announced Liam Rosenior as their new manager with a long-term contract on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

The Blues immediately gave the English coach a long-term contract, five and a half years or until 2032.

Rosenior admitted that he could not refuse to take over the manager's seat left by Enzo Maresca. No wonder, the parting with Starsbourg, which is currently a former status, was emotional.

The reason is that the 41-year-old coach has been the Manager of Strasbourg since July 2024. He led the Ligue 1 club to finish in seventh place in the standings last season.

He brought Strasbourg to appear in the European tournament, namely the 2025/2026 UEFA Conference League. In fact, Rosenior's team led the standings of the tournament from the six matches that have been played.

He parted ways with Strasbourg after a 1-1 draw against Nice at the weekend - their fifth league game without a win. They are currently in seventh place and top the UEFA Conference League standings.

Rosenior admitted that he had interest from clubs who appeared in the Champions League, but said he could not turn down the opportunity to coach Chelsea.

"The last 18 months have been the most enjoyable and best period of my professional career. I have met some incredible people and created some incredible memories as well as making history (for Strasbourg)."

"All of that would not have happened without the investment of the owners and the hard work of our president. I have had interest from many clubs, including Champions League clubs."

"I always say that openly to (Strasbourg president) Marc (Keller), and our owners. I will love this club for the rest of my life, but I can't turn down Chelsea," Rosenior said.

Rosenior has a lot of respect for Strasbourg, so he wants to leave the club in good shape.

It's rare to see a manager appear at a press conference just before leaving a club. However, Rosenior did just that on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and made sure to speak about his love for the club that will soon be his former one.

"I am very excited about the future. I have worked all my life to become a coach and manage a world-class football club."

"It does bring sadness for what I left behind. It's emotional because this is my last day and last time I wake up as Strasbourg manager. This is football," he said.

Meanwhile, Rosenior also confirmed that his coaching staff, including Kalifa Cisse and Justin Walker, would move to west London with him.

"I wouldn't be in this position without my incredible staff. I leave a lot of good people behind. All I know is that a bunch of good people are coming."

"I have never met anyone with the emotional intelligence I have in Kalifa (Cisse). Unfortunately for Strasbourg, he is with me," said the 41-year-old coach.

Currently, the decision has been made. Although relatively inexperienced at the highest level, Rosenior believes that he is ready to face the challenges that await him at Chelsea.

"Outside of PSG in France, if Chelsea want a coach, that coach will probably accept a job at Chelsea."

"I would not accept a job at Chelsea if I was not ready. There are clubs you can't refuse. I hope the Strasbourg fans can see that and be proud of it," he said.

Rosenior replaces Enzo Maresca, who left the club on January 1.

The Blues - who salvaged a 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Monday, January 5, 2026, WIB early morning, after Enzo Fernandez's late equalizer - are in fifth place in the English League.

However, only one win in seven games and comments from Maresca hinting at behind-the-scenes problems ended the Italian's 19-month tenure before a draw at home to Manchester City, with Chelsea led by under-21 coach Calum McFarlane.