Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, as the Premier League club launches a swift search for a new head coach following the Italian’s abrupt departure on New Year’s Day.
The 41-year-old Englishman, who has impressed in Ligue 1 since taking charge of Strasbourg in July 2024, benefits significantly from the shared ownership structure between the two clubs under the BlueCo consortium. Sources indicate that Rosenior enjoys strong internal support at Stamford Bridge, with initial discussions already underway within the club’s hierarchy.
Maresca’s exit, confirmed on Thursday, January 1, 2026, brings an end to his tenure after just over 18 months. Appointed in June 2024 following a successful promotion campaign with Leicester City, the 45-year-old guided Chelsea to a respectable position in his first season but struggled amid a poor run of form in the current campaign, securing only one win in recent matches. Reports cite a breakdown in relations with key figures at the club, including tensions with medical staff and broader disagreements over direction, as contributing factors to the parting of ways.
Chelsea’s owners, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital through BlueCo, have developed a reputation for bold managerial decisions since acquiring the club in May 2022 for £4.25 billion. The consortium’s multi-club model expanded in June 2023 with a majority investment in Strasbourg, allowing for talent pathways and strategic alignment across the group. This link has proven advantageous in transfers and now appears pivotal in managerial recruitment, positioning Rosenior as a natural fit.
Rosenior’s coaching credentials have garnered praise for their progressive style. After a playing career that included stints at Fulham, Hull City, and Brighton & Hove Albion, he transitioned into management with interim roles before a full-time appointment at Hull City, where he implemented an attractive, possession-based approach despite limited resources. His move to Strasbourg on a three-year deal marked a step up, and he has since steered the French side to competitive performances in Ligue 1, earning admiration for his tactical acumen and player development.
Analysts note that Rosenior aligns with Chelsea’s data-driven recruitment philosophy, which prioritises young, innovative coaches capable of long-term projects. Should he make the switch, it would represent a rapid ascent but also carry risks, given his lack of prior Premier League managerial experience.
While Rosenior leads the shortlist, the process remains open. Strasbourg have reportedly begun contingency planning for his potential departure, with Porto’s Francesco Farioli among the names under consideration as a replacement in France. At Chelsea, other candidates include Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, and club legend Cesc Fàbregas, currently coaching in Italy. Previously linked figures such as Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva may also feature in discussions, though the BlueCo connection gives Rosenior a clear edge.
This latest managerial change underscores the high expectations and low patience threshold at Chelsea under BlueCo. Since the 2022 takeover, the club has cycled through Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard (interim), Mauricio Pochettino, and now Maresca. The turnover has drawn criticism for instability even as significant investment has rebuilt the squad with young talent.
The appointment of Rosenior, if confirmed, could signal a deeper integration of the multi-club model, facilitating smoother player movements and shared philosophies. For a club aiming to return to Champions League contention and challenge for silverware, the choice of head coach will be crucial in stabilising the project amid ongoing Premier League demands.
