Rosenior, new Chelsea coach: Verbal agreement and goodbye to Strasbourg

Liam Rosenior close to managing Chelsea: “I’ve reached a verbal agreement”

Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior has practically confirmed his appointment as Chelsea coach, stating that he has “verbally agreed” a contract with the London club. Rosenior, who took over the position at Strasbourg in 2024 after managing Hull City and Derby County, was in London this week to finalize his transfer to Chelsea, a club associated with BlueCo, and has now confirmed that an agreement has been reached.

“It seems I’m going to be the next coach of that [Chelsea] football club,” Rosenior stated at a press conference.

Liam Rosenior

“I haven’t signed yet, but I’ve reached a verbal agreement with Chelsea. It’s really important, this is different from anything anyone has done, no one has made a statement before signing a contract.” “Everything is agreed and will probably be finalized in the next few hours. I am here because I care about this club and felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before moving forward.”

• Liam Rosenior: From his sacking from Hull City to being the favorite for Chelsea
• Rosenior arrives in London, close to the Chelsea position – sources
• Liam Rosenior is “the best I’ve worked with” – Wayne Rooney

Rosenior also admitted that he had interest from other “Champions League clubs”, but said he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to manage Chelsea. “The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career. I’ve met incredible people, created incredible memories and made history,” Rosenior said. “None of that happens without the investment of our owners and the hard work of our president.” “I have had interest from many clubs, including Champions League clubs, which I have always spoken openly about with [our president] Marc [Keller] and our owners.” “I will love this club for the rest of my life, but I can’t reject Chelsea.” And despite his relative inexperience at the highest level, Rosenior is confident that he is ready for the challenge that awaits him at Chelsea. “Outside of PSG in France, if Chelsea want a coach, that coach will probably accept the job at Chelsea,” he said. “I wouldn’t have accepted the Chelsea job if I wasn’t ready.” “There are clubs you simply can’t refuse. I hope the Strasbourg fans can see that and feel proud of it.”