LIAM Rosenior said he couldn’t turn down Chelsea as he explained his decision to Strasbourg fans after being appointed the Blues’ new head coach on a contract until 2032.
Rosenior, 41, has left the French Ligue 1 side to take over from Enzo Maresca, after the Blues announced they had “parted company” with the Italian last week.
Former Fulham and Brighton defender Rosenior started his coaching career with an interim spell at Derby County before he was named boss of another of his former clubs, Hull City, in 2022. He was sacked in 2024 despite leading them to a seventh-place finish in the Championship.
Rosenior took over Strasbourg from Patrick Vieira in the summer of 2024 after the former Arsenal midfielder had left following a thirteenth-place finish. Rosenior guided the side to seventh and a place in the Uefa Conference League.
Strasbourg are owned by BlueCo, the consortium led by Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly.
Maresca led the Blues to the Conference League and Club World Cup titles last season but hinted at problems behind the scenes when he said he had experienced “the worst 48 hours” at the club before a 2-0 win over Everton in mid-December.
“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club,” Rosenior said on the club’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. 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.”
Earlier on Tuesday before his appointment was confirmed, Rosenior held a press conference at Strasbourg to explain his decision.
“I cannot turn down this opportunity to join an incredible club, incredible squad who are Club World Cup champions,” Rosenior said.
“The last eighteen months have been a joy and the best of my professional career.
“I’m here because I care about [Strasbourg] and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on.
“I will love this club for the rest of my life, but I cannot turn down Chelsea.
“I would not have accepted the Chelsea job if I was not ready.
“There are clubs you just cannot turn down. I hope the Strasbourg fans can see that and be proud of that.
“I have had interest from many clubs, including Champions League clubs, which I have always been open with to [Strasbourg president] Marc [Keller] and our ownership.”
Strasbourg first-team coach Kalifa Cisse, assistant head coach Justin Walker and head of analysis Ben Warner will join Rosenior at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are in action against Fulham on Wednesday when Calum McFarlane is set to take charge. Rosenior’s first match is set to be against Charlton Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup at The Valley on Saturday.
