Chelsea have parted ways with head coach Liam Rosenior after a brief and turbulent 106-day spell in charge, following a string of poor results that left the club struggling to maintain momentum this season.
Rosenior, who arrived from French side Strasbourg on a five-and-a-half-year deal under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, managed only 11 wins in 23 matches across all competitions. His tenure came under increasing pressure after a disappointing run in the Premier League, capped by a heavy 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Tuesday — Chelsea’s fifth consecutive league loss without scoring. The run marks the club’s worst goal drought since 1912.
Speaking after the Brighton defeat, Rosenior did not hold back, describing his team’s performance as “indefensible” and “unacceptable,” as frustrations boiled over among travelling Chelsea supporters.
The poor run has seen Chelsea slip to seventh in the league standings, now seven points adrift of Liverpool, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.
In a statement, the club acknowledged Rosenior’s professionalism but said results had not met expectations.
“Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season,” the statement read. “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.”
Attention now turns to who will take over permanently. Reports indicate that Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, Fulham boss Marco Silva, and former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic are all being considered for the role. Iraola is set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, while Silva’s contract at Fulham expires in July, making both potential options for Chelsea’s next move.
For now, assistant coach Calum McFarlane steps in as interim manager until the end of the season. He previously oversaw a draw against Manchester City and a defeat to Fulham earlier this year following the departure of former boss Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea say they will use this period to reassess and ensure they make the right long-term appointment as they look to restore stability.
McFarlane’s immediate focus will be on the FA Cup, with his first match in charge coming this Sunday against Leeds United at Wembley, where Chelsea will be fighting for a place in the final.
