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<p>Insights from France's football scene</p>
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title="What Liam Rosenior could bring to Chelsea - Are we ready for the next big thing?">
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Chelsea made headlines on New Year's Day 2026 by parting ways with manager Enzo Maresca, despite the Italian successfully guiding the team back into the Champions League and winning the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup during his inaugural season. The West London club has gained a reputation for frequently changing managers over the years, and Maresca has become the latest casualty of this trend. However, a surprising candidate may step into the role: according to <em>The Athletic</em>, Liam Rosenior, currently with Strasbourg, is a frontrunner to take over as Chelsea's new head coach.
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The 41-year-old former player, who has managed 152 professional games (12 at Derby, 78 at Hull, and 62 at Strasbourg), has garnered attention for his impressive work at Strasbourg, where he developed a close relationship with Chelsea’s leadership during his time in Ligue 1. He is also familiar with the club's co-sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley. But is Rosenior ready to manage a Premier League club with high expectations? Could he be the next bright star in the coaching world? With insights from a French expert, we delve into these questions.
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<h2>What Can Liam Rosenior Offer Chelsea?</h2>
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Lucas Nybord, Content Manager for <em>Transfermarkt</em> in France, has kept a close eye on Rosenior’s impact at Strasbourg. He states, "Although Strasbourg has faced challenges recently in Ligue 1 (failing to win their last four matches), his tenure has been remarkable for several reasons." Nybord notes, "His team plays attractive, attacking football, achieved commendable results (seventh in Ligue 1 last season), and focuses on developing young talent. He adapted quickly to Ligue 1 despite the language barrier and lack of top-level experience, even being shortlisted for the best Ligue 1 manager last season."
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When asked about Rosenior’s playing style, Nybord explains, "His team employs high-intensity pressing and builds play from the back, demonstrating tactical flexibility based on possession." However, are there areas for improvement? "It's not solely his fault, but management decisions regarding striker Emmanuel Emegha have been puzzling," Nybord admits. "He was appointed captain early in the season but faced a suspension due to a press statement. Similarly, the situation with Félix Lemaréchal has raised eyebrows, as he has been inconsistent in starting appearances despite previous strong performances."
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"Improving individual player management could be a challenge for him, especially at Chelsea, where he would encounter greater visibility and more prominent egos in the dressing room." Finally, when asked if Rosenior is prepared to manage a club like Chelsea amid high expectations, Nybord responds, "He may be ready for the Premier League, but coaching a significant club like Chelsea adds complications. He tends to favor young players, aligning with the Chelsea board's direction, but ultimately, results are paramount, and they may not materialize immediately."
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