Chelsea Football Club have confirmed the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, though the 41-year-old will not take charge of the team for their imminent Premier League fixture against Fulham.
Rosenior's Appointment and Immediate Schedule
The Blues finalised a deal with Rosenior on Tuesday, securing him on a six-and-a-half-year contract following his move from French side Strasbourg. Despite his appointment being confirmed, Rosenior will not oversee Chelsea's next match, a west London derby away at Fulham on Wednesday night at Craven Cottage.
Interim coach Calum McFarlane, who has been leading the first team since Enzo Maresca's departure on New Year's Day, will remain in the dugout for the Fulham game. McFarlane stated he has been instructed to lead the team and aims to deliver three points for the new boss to build upon.
Rosenior is expected to be in attendance at Craven Cottage as a spectator to watch his new side, a club where he spent nearly four years as a player. His official duties are scheduled to begin on Thursday, with his first training session ahead of Chelsea's FA Cup third-round trip to Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
Context of a Whirlwind Week at Stamford Bridge
The managerial change marks a rapid shift for Chelsea, who saw former boss Enzo Maresca step down on 1st January 2026. Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane stepped into the breach on an interim basis, guiding the team to a 1-1 draw away at Manchester City last Sunday.
Chelsea's decision to appoint Rosenior is reportedly based on his impressive work at Strasbourg, a club also owned by Chelsea's parent company BlueCo. He led them to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season and has them in the same position currently, while also topping their Europa Conference League group.
In his first statement as Chelsea head coach, Rosenior said: "To be entrusted with this role means the world to me... I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves." He emphasised his excitement about working with the squad and building a united environment.
Team News and Stakes for the Fulham Derby
Ahead of the crucial derby, interim boss McFarlane confirmed a boost with several players returning. Robert Sanchez, Wesley Fofana, and Marc Cucurella have all returned to training, while Moises Caicedo is available again after serving a suspension.
The match carries significant weight for Chelsea's league ambitions. A recent dip in form has seen them drop out of the Premier League's top four, sitting three points behind Liverpool and level with Manchester United. Securing a victory against their local rivals is paramount to reigniting their Champions League qualification push.
All eyes will now be on Rosenior's official start later this week, as he prepares to imprint his philosophy on a Chelsea squad eager for consistency and success.
