EXCLUSIVE: Rosenior set for Chelsea job after announcing Maresca departure

Steve Kay

1 Jan 2026 12:41 GMT
4 min read

Liam Rosenior will replace Enzo Maresca at Chelsea — © IMAGO

Chelsea are lining up Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior to replace Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge, FootballTransfers can exclusively reveal.

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Maresca's departure from the Blues was confirmed on New Year's Day in a statement released by the club.

It came after speculation rapidly mounted over his future following a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

"Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company," Chelsea announced.

"With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track.

"We wish Enzo well for the future."

Now former Hull City boss Rosenior is primed to take over after a successful 18-month stint with BlueCo sister club Strasbourg in Ligue 1.

FootballTransfers understands Maresca's departure came after a major falling out with one of the owners of the club. While sources have not disclosed who the Italian was in dispute with, nor the nature of the disagreement, it is our understanding that it is not Todd Boehly.

The confrontation took place after the Bournemouth game, following which Maresca did not appear for the press conference.

While he was cited as being ill, Ben Jacobs broke the news that he was instead in dispute with the Chelsea board.

Talks took place to resolve the situation, but were unsuccessful.

© IMAGO - Enzo Maresca: Set to leave Chelsea

Liam Rosenior handed Chelsea chance

Sources close to the club have revealed to FootballTransfers that Strasbourg boss Rosenior will replace Maresca, with the Englishman lined up for the job on an interim basis until the end of the season.

While it may seem like a strange decision to move Rosenior from one BlueCo club to another on a temporary basis, the owners of Chelsea have proven themselves to be happy to make such controversial decisions in the past.

It would appear that the 41-year-old is being handed a dress rehearsal for the job on a permanent basis, having led Strasbourg back to Europe this season after embracing the BlueCo model that is driven by youth development.

Rosenior has resisted a backlash in France over the dual-ownership of the clubs, which has caused controversy, not least when Racing striker Emmanuel Emegha was signed by Chelsea for the 2026/27 season earlier this term.

Now the coach is set to be rewarded with a shot at the job in West London following Maresca’s shock departure.

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