'I cannot turn down Chelsea': Rosenior signs deal until 2032

Liam Rosenior has been confirmed as Chelsea’s head coach on a contract to 2032, describing the opportunity to succeed Enzo Maresca as one he could not turn down.

- Jacob Steinberg

Rosenior has left Strasbourg, Chelsea’s partner club, after holding talks over the role on Monday. He said yesterday at a Strasbourg press conference: “I have had interest from many clubs, including Champions League clubs, which I have always been open with to [club president] Marc [Keller] and our ownership. I will love this club for the rest of my life but I cannot turn down Chelsea.”

After Maresca departed Stamford Bridge in acrimonious circumstances last week, Rosenior immediately became the leading contender. But the move was held up by BlueCo, the investment vehicle that owns Chelsea and Strasbourg, needing to be sensitive to the requirements of both clubs. Strasbourg have finalised a deal for Gary O’Neil to be their manager.

Rosenior told Chelsea’s website: “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.”

Rosenior, who leaves Strasbourg with his young side seventh in Ligue 1, has longstanding relationships with three of Chelsea’s five sporting directors. His contract runs for one year longer than the sporting directors’, whereas The way Chelsea are run will come as no surprise to Liam Rosenior. He has longstanding relationships with three of the five sporting directors and will know from his time at Strasbourg, who are part of the same ownership, that the head coach's best chance of surviving is not to make the mistake of rebelling against the structure.