Chelsea Transfer News: Blues sack Liam Rosenior after 23 games in charge

Chelsea have officially announced the sacking of Liam Rosenior following a dismal 3-0 loss to Brighton.

The 41-year-old has been dismissed after just three months and 23 games in charge of the Blues. Rosenior joined from sister club Strasbourg in January in the wake of Enzo Maresca quitting over disagreements with the club hierarchy.

Although results had turned sour towards the end of the Italian’s tenure, Chelsea were still in a relatively comfortable position to have a successful season. Rosenior initially enjoyed a good start.

However, results quickly turned sour. Chelsea were unable to compete with truly elite teams like Arsenal, Man City and PSG, with the latter humiliating Rosenior’s men in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, in the Premier League, Chelsea have endured a horrific run of form – their worst in 114 years – by losing five consecutive games without scoring a single goal.

Rosenior sacked after Brighton loss

Tuesday’s 3-0 beatdown at the hands of Brighton was the straw that broke the camel’s back for a Chelsea hierarchy that originally didn’t even plan to review Rosenior’s position until next season.

After Maresca’s premature exit, the 41-year-old was supposed to be the club’s next “project manager.” Rosenior was handed a six-and-a-half-year deal, but he has now been sacked after just three months and is potentially set to pocket compensation to the tune of €24 million.

Recent results, though, have been simply inexcusable. Despite Chelsea’s obvious shortcomings, getting outplayed by Brighton and failing to score for a fifth game in a row is just not good enough.

The writing was on the wall for Rosenior, who has reportedly failed to command the respect of Chelsea’s dressing room, where influential figures were strong supporters of Maresca. The likes of Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella recently expressed dissatisfaction with the Italian’s departure.

Being a “BlueCo man,” Rosenior faced an uphill battle from the start, not helped by his “memeable” demeanour, which saw him widely mocked on social media and even by former teammates.

He will surely bounce back, but for an inexperienced coach like him, Chelsea was simply too big a step too soon.

Chelsea confirm Rosenior exit

Chelsea released the following statement on their website: “Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior.

“On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club.

“Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.

“This has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season. Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.

“Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing Club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup.

“As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”

Football transfer news headlines today

Transfer Rumours: Chelsea in ‘epic’ €60m five-club battle as bid ‘promised’

Arsenal Transfer News Today: Agreement confirmed amid massive Alvarez boost

Chelsea Transfer News Today: Palmer exit warning as Romano confirms agreement

Man Utd Transfer News Today: €40m offer ready as Alex Scott battle begins

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store