After unexpectedly parting ways with Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have moved quickly to appoint the Italian’s successor, turning to Liam Rosenior. Rosenior arrives from fellow BlueCo-owned side Strasbourg, meaning the ownership group already knows him well.
With another new era beginning at Stamford Bridge, the key question is whether Rosenior can steady the club and drive progress, or whether Chelsea will come to regret parting ways with Maresca.
Were Chelsea Right to Sack Maresca?
On the surface, Maresca’s dismissal feels harsh. Chelsea have not been spectacular this season, but they were broadly competitive, especially given the youthful squad. The Italian also finished fourth last season and won the Club World Cup, achievements that normally earn a manager some time. It should also be noted that injuries and suspensions this season have made it difficult to build much momentum, and Chelsea haven’t been able to maintain a high enough level of consistency.
However, the problems ran deeper than results. The relationship between Maresca and the ownership group had deteriorated to the point where it was difficult to see how things could continue. Fundamentally, Maresca did not feel he had enough control over team selection and player management. Senior figures at Chelsea believed instructions were being ignored and that certain decisions risked players being overloaded or rushed back too quickly.
Transfer disagreements added to the strain. Last summer, Maresca pushed for the signing of a centre back, only for the club to reject the idea on the grounds that it could block the pathway of highly rated youngster Josh Acheampong. The fear was that the 19-year-old might then hand in a transfer request. Transfer target disagreements may well have reared their head this January, too.
In that context, a parting of ways was probably inevitable. Still, Maresca’s exit reinforces the idea that any head coach will find Chelsea a difficult environment in which to operate.
Rosenior Potentially a Better Fit
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Liam Rosenior as head coach of the men’s team.
Welcome to Chelsea, Liam! 🔵
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 6, 2026
Rosenior looks like a more natural fit for the current Chelsea model. BlueCo do not appear keen on giving the head coach full autonomy, and Rosenior has already worked within that structure at Strasbourg. That experience should help him navigate the internal dynamics more smoothly than Maresca managed.
Rosenior’s relative youth and limited top-level experience may also make him more open to compromise and collaboration. Rosenior is generally calm, articulate, and measured, traits that should reduce the risk of a breakdown in relations with the hierarchy.
That said, harmony off the pitch is only part of the problem. Rosenior still needs to deliver results, above all else. His track record in this area offers cautious optimism. He did a very solid job at Hull City and has largely impressed with Strasbourg, showing flexibility rather than rigid adherence to one system. The recent demise of loyal-to-their-system managers like Amorim at Manchester United and Nancy at Celtic highlights how tactical stubbornness can often backfire. Of course, it often leads to poor results too, as opposition managers know what they’ll be up against and can thus take countermeasures.
At Strasbourg, Rosenior’s side pressed high and ranked fourth in Ligue 1 for tackles in the final third. At Hull, they were among the lowest in that metric, as Rosenior did not feel like the high press suited his players. Shot volume also varied significantly between clubs. Strasbourg produced relatively few shots under Rosenior, but focused on high-quality chances. At Hull, conversely, Rosenior was happy with a higher shot volume and an increase in shot distance.
Despite this clear flexibility, Rosenior has a definite preference for possession-based football with short passing. This fits well with the current Chelsea squad, which is currently ranked third in the Premier League for completed passes and fourth for possession.
Squad Issues to Limit Impact
While Rosenior appears a sensible appointment, expectations for the remainder of the season should be realistic. Chelsea’s squad is not massively underperforming relative to its balance and experience. There are clear weaknesses in central defence and a lack of strong cover options in defensive midfield and up front.
Signing Players with Resale Value
The club’s focus on signing players with resale value has resulted in a squad that is heavy on youth but light on proven leaders. Until this is fixed, or until the young players gain more experience, Chelsea will remain off the pace in the title race.
Goalkeeper Suitability
Goalkeeper suitability is another concern. Rosenior’s Strasbourg side had the lowest long pass rate in Ligue 1 at just 17 per cent, reflecting the Englishman’s desire for a keeper comfortable joining the build-up. Sanchez’s long-pass rate in the league this season, meanwhile, stands at 37%, showing a keeper who prefers to mix up distribution. While his passing is not poor, it is also not a major strength of his.
Don’t Expect Miracles…
Issues like this serve as a reminder that Rosenior is inheriting a squad he had no role in building. It will take time for him to figure out his best eleven and areas he wants to strengthen in the transfer window. Subsequently, he should not be expected to perform any miracles over the next few months.
Given time, though, there is a chance for steady progress with Rosenior at the wheel. Despite his lack of top-flight experience, it does seem like a good fit for a young and improving Chelsea squad. Initial expectations should be tempered, but next season (if he’s still in the job), we should be able to see Rosenior realise his full potential.