Liam Rosenior, the highly-rated Strasbourg manager, has demonstrated the leadership qualities making him a favourite for the vacant Chelsea job by fiercely defending his captain, Emanuel Emegha, from "unacceptable" abuse by sections of the club's own support.
Rosenior's Firm Stance on Fan Backlash
The incident stems from the confirmed £22million transfer of striker Emegha to Chelsea, which was announced back in September for completion at the end of the 2025/26 season. The move provoked a backlash among some Strasbourg fans, resentful of the club's perceived role as a development pipeline for its BlueCo sibling, Chelsea.
Protest banners appeared in the home end targeting both Emegha and club president Marc Keller. One directed at the 22-year-old Dutch forward read: "After changing your shirt, give back your armband." Rosenior did not hesitate to intervene, publicly branding the demonstration as unacceptable.
"I was sad when I saw that for one of my players, who's given everything for the club, who deserves to move to a top club," Rosenior stated. He emphasised that Emegha had "earned" his move, bluntly assessing Strasbourg's current status: "The reality is at the moment, we're not [a top European club]. We have clubs who are higher up the pecking order than we are."
Chelsea Connections and Potential Reunions
Rosenior's decisive protection of his player has further bolstered his credentials as Chelsea seek a successor for Enzo Maresca, who departed unexpectedly on New Year's Day. If appointed, Rosenior could significantly ease Emegha's transition to Stamford Bridge next season.
He would not be the only Chelsea player familiar with the 41-year-old coach. Striker Liam Delap, who joined for £30million from Ipswich, previously worked under Rosenior during a loan spell at Hull City in the 2023/24 season, scoring eight goals. Rosenior has previously praised Delap, calling him "one of a kind."
Furthermore, midfielder Andrey Santos enjoyed a spectacular loan at Strasbourg last term, winning the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award with 11 goals and six assists. Rosenior's prior experience with the Brazilian could alter his current bit-part role at Chelsea.
Impact on Emegha and Managerial Race
Despite the hostile reception from some fans, the controversy has not hampered Emegha's form. The skipper has netted seven times in 11 games this season, though injuries have limited him to just three league appearances since September.
Chelsea are expected to confirm their new head coach in the coming days, though the change is unlikely to be in place for Sunday's trip to Manchester City. Other candidates linked with the role include Porto's Francesco Farioli and former Chelsea players Cesc Fabregas (Como) and Filipe Luis (Flamengo).
Rosenior's actions in Strasbourg, however, have provided a compelling preview of the man-management and forthright leadership he would bring to the Premier League giants.
