Liam Rosenior has revealed that he has verbally agreed on a contract to become Chelsea's new manager. He described the chance to replace Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge as an opportunity impossible to reject.
Rosenior is transitioning from French side Strasbourg to their partner club Chelsea, after discussions regarding the position. At a press conference in Strasbourg, he remarked, "I haven't put pen to paper yet, but I have reached a verbal understanding with Chelsea. This is a different situation – rarely does anyone to make a statement before officially signing."
"Everything is settled and the process will probably be completed in the coming hours. I'm here today because I care deeply about this club and felt it was the right thing to answer questions in person before I move on."
After Enzo Maresca's acrimonious departure from Stamford Bridge last week, Rosenior quickly became the leading candidate. However, the move was complicated by the need for BlueCo – the investment vehicle that owns both Chelsea and Strasbourg – to balance the needs of the two clubs. Strasbourg are now working to appoint a new manager, with Gary O'Neil in consideration.
Reflecting on his time at Strasbourg, Rosenior said, "The past 18 months have been an incredible pleasure and the highlight of my coaching career. I've met some amazing people and built some incredible memories, achieving something special. None of that would have been possible without the investment of our ownership and the hard work of our president."
He added, "I have had approaches from a number of clubs, including top European sides, which I have always been transparent about. I will cherish this club forever, but I cannot pass up Chelsea."
Rosenior leaves Strasbourg with the team sitting seventh in Ligue 1. He has existing relationships with several of Chelsea's sporting directors and is considered a bright coaching talent. His appointment is not expected to require a major shift in style from the template established by his predecessor. Chelsea, currently fifth in the Premier League, have a match against Fulham coming up.
Rosenior expressed his enthusiasm for the future: "I am incredibly excited about what lies ahead. I have worked tirelessly to become a coach at a top-level football club. That inevitably brings some sadness for what I am leaving behind. This is an poignant day as it is my last waking up as the Strasbourg manager."
He also confirmed that two of his assistants, Kalifa Cissé and Justin Walker, along with Strasbourg's head of analysis, Ben Warner, will join him in the move to West London.
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