Days after Enzo Maresca's stunning exit as Chelsea manager on January 1, the club has announced Liam Rosenior as the replacement on Tuesday (January 6). Rosenior shot to fame during his recent stint with Strasbourg who attained European qualification in his very first year in-charge of the club.
With the French club and Chelsea both having the same owners, Rosenior was tipped as the frontrunner to replace Maresca and that's exactly what has transpired. Reacting to the big news, Rosenior expressed his joy at the incoming big challenge and is determined to turn things around at Stamford Bridge.
“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of Chelsea Football Club. This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies,” said Rosenior in the official statement.
“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."
Rosenior's first gig as manager came in 2022 when he was in-charge of Hull City in the Championship. After two years at the club, he headed to France to produce a sensational first season with Strasbourg. The 41-year-old had a reasonable playing career, having represented Hull City, Reading, Brighton and Fulham in the Premier League.
It was in 2018 that Liam ended his playing career and quickly made the transition to coaching. His father Leroy was also a renowned player-turned-manager of his times. Liam also spent a considerable amount of time in the media, serving The Guardian as writer even while he was still an active footballer.
Tactics and team formation
If his stint at Strasbourg is anything to go by, Rosenior is set to opt for a 4-1-4-1 formation with one Defensive Midfielder and two Midfielders to ensure that there would be a proper balance between attack and defence. The priority for him is to ensure the team maintains a proper shape regardless of whether they are attacking or defending. Rosenior also likes to use the 4-3-3 formation at times, wherein attacking width is provided by pacy wingers on both sides.
Rosenior prefers to pack his midfield and control the game through defensive stability. He also loves to change the shape and formation during a game without changing the core of his philosophy. The midfielders play a massive role in Rosenior's tactics, given that they not only control the team's defensive shape but also take responsibility for linking up with the attackers.
