EPL: Chelsea to name Rosenior as new manager

Chelsea are moving closer to appointing Liam Rosenior as head coach, with the Strasbourg manager flying into London to conclude talks over the vacancy at Stamford Bridge.

Rosenior, 41, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Enzo Maresca, who departed the club after disagreements with senior figures.

Discussions are understood to be at an advanced stage, with formalities expected to be completed imminently.

Chelsea caretaker manager Calum McFarlane indicated that an announcement could come early this week, suggesting clarity is near on the club’s next permanent appointment.

“There’s a chance the new manager will be in on Monday, that’s what I was told originally,” McFarlane said after Chelsea’s weekend draw. “As far as I know, the new manager will be in shortly and I’ll lead the team until he’s in.”

Transition underway across BlueCo clubs

Rosenior took charge of Strasbourg’s 1-1 draw away at Nice on Saturday before travelling to London.

He was photographed at Strasbourg airport alongside sporting director David Weir, proving the nature of the move within the BlueCo ownership structure, which controls both clubs.

With Rosenior expected to leave, Strasbourg have already begun the process of identifying a successor.

Weir and club president Marc Keller are overseeing the search, with former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil among those reported to have held talks.

The situation has prompted unease among sections of Strasbourg’s fanbase, though no resistance is anticipated from the Chelsea side.

McFarlane steadies Chelsea amid uncertainty

McFarlane, the club’s under-21s coach, stepped in following Maresca’s exit and oversaw a resilient 1-1 draw away at Manchester City on Sunday.

Enzo Fernandez scored a stoppage-time equaliser after Chelsea trailed to Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half strike.

Reflecting on his short tenure, McFarlane said: “When I first took the job, I was told I would take the Manchester City game. So that was three days with the group.”

He added: “We’ve had everything against us, but this group has shown that when their backs are against the wall, they’ve got the talent and character to be successful. I’m really, really proud of the whole group.”

Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League, three points off the top four, despite winning the Club World Cup six months ago.

They face Fulham on Wednesday, followed by Charlton in the FA Cup, as preparations continue for a decisive run of fixtures under incoming leadership.