LIAM ROSENIOR ANNOUNCED AS NEW CHELSEA MANAGER ON 6 YEAR CONTRACT
On a lucrative long-term contract, Liam Rosenior has been formally announced as Chelsea's new manager.
After Enzo Maresca's unexpected resignation on New Year's Day, the 41-year-old made the dramatic move from Strasbourg, a French sister club. After Rosenior's tenure in Ligue 1, club executives determined that he was the ideal candidate to carry on their contentious football and transfer strategy. Rosenior's playing career saw him excel at Fulham, Reading, and Brighton.
Rosenior signed a massive five-and-a-half-year contract with the option of an additional year, and Chelsea said they are "delighted" to debut him. Rosenior will attend his first full training session on Thursday after watching his new team face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.
His first game as manager will be the FA Cup trip to Charlton on Saturday. "Rosenior arrives at Stamford Bridge after coaching overseas with RC Strasbourg, where he led the French club to European qualification for the first time in 19 years in his first season, and following earlier roles in England with Hull City and Derby County," a statement from Chelsea stated.
Liam has demonstrated his ability to create teams with a distinct style of play while maintaining the highest standards with players both on and off the pitch. “While there will continue to be a focus on player development, the Club’s expectations and ambitions remain high. Liam has the ability to get the best out of this squad quickly and joins us with the responsibility and the backing to ensure Chelsea continues to compete at the top level in all competitions this season and in seasons to come. Welcome to Chelsea, Liam!”
Cesc Fabregas of Como, Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, and former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez were apparently among the other coaches involved.
However, Rosenior's dedication to nurturing young players and ease with Chelsea's high-volume approach to squad development and signings delighted senior staff. "I am incredibly humbled and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of Chelsea Football Club," the new manager declared.
This club has a distinct personality and a rich track record of trophy victories. As we continue to win trophies, it is my responsibility to uphold that identity and build a team that embodies these principles in every game.
“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. I am excited to work with this extremely talented group of players and staff, to build strong connections on and off the pitch and to create an environment where everyone feels united and driven by the same goal.
“There is a real hunger to win, and I will give everything, every single day, to help this team compete and win at the very highest level to make everyone connected and proud to be a part of Chelsea Football Club.
"In every game we play, I want our supporters to be proud of who we are and what we stand for. They are the lifeblood of this massive, storied football team. I am really excited to meet you all. I am eager to begin."
After managing Hull, Rosenior's statement on Tuesday represents his third club position. Just eighteen months ago, he moved to Strasbourg from the Championship strugglers. In his first season, Rosenior led the French team to seventh place, earning them a position in Europe for the first time and their highest-ever top-flight finish. After learning songs from Chelsea loanees Mike Penders, Mamadou Sarr, and Kendry Paez, he departs Strasbourg in seventh place once more.