Liam Rosenior was sacked by Chelsea on Wednesday as the Blues continued their worst run of Premier League form in 114 years, with the former Strasbourg boss paying the price following a 3-0 defeat by Brighton
A Chelsea player is reported to have dubbed manager Liam Rosenior “the supply teacher” prior to his dismissal on Wednesday. The former Strasbourg manager was relieved of his duties following Tuesday’s dismal 3-0 loss at Brighton.
The defeat represented the Blues’ fifth successive Premier League match without a goal and their poorest run of top-flight results in 114 years. Rosenior’s sacking came after senior players reacted angrily to his post-match criticism of their performance.
The 41-year-old had failed to command the respect of certain members of the Chelsea squad. BBC Sport report that footage emerged on an almost weekly basis showing players appearing to disregard Rosenior’s inexperienced coaching staff.
One recent example included video of Wesley Fofana seemingly ignoring assistant James Walker following Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to Manchester United. One player is even said to have bestowed upon him the moniker “the supply teacher”.
Rosenior is understood to have begun losing his grip on authority as he sought to introduce more of his own tactical approach.
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The former right-back had initially relied heavily on the framework established by previous Blues manager Enzo Maresca during his opening six weeks in the role, given the limited time available on the training ground.
Certain tactical choices were also said to have come under scrutiny. One source close to Paris Saint-Germain told the BBC they believed Rosenior’s strategy across both legs of the tie was overly expansive, enabling the French champions to take advantage of Chelsea in an 8-2 aggregate victory.
Nevertheless, Rosenior’s reputation at Stamford Bridge was not entirely viewed in a negative light.
The majority of players were said to consider the former Derby County and Hull City head coach a thoroughly decent individual who was, according to one source, particularly well-liked amongst English members of the squad.
Calum McFarlane will assume control at Chelsea for the remainder of the season while the club searches for a new head coach.
It is understood that the west London outfit will adopt a measured approach in naming a successor, with Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola amongst the frontrunners to replace Rosenior.
Whoever takes charge may inherit a side without European football next season. The Blues presently sit eighth in the Premier League table and may need to lift this season’s FA Cup to secure European qualification.
Chelsea face Leeds United in the semi-finals at Wembley Stadium on Sunday (3pm BST).
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