‘Zero guarantees’ – Rosenior responds to Chelsea manager rumours

Liam Rosenior has insisted there are “zero guarantees” about his future after refusing to dismiss speculation linking him with the vacant Chelsea managerial position, just one day after Enzo Maresca’s departure from Stamford Bridge.

The Strasbourg head coach was speaking on Friday ahead of his side’s next fixture, with rumours intensifying that he has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Maresca. Football Place understands Rosenior is viewed internally as a strong option by Chelsea’s hierarchy, given his existing relationships within the BlueCo ownership group.

Rosenior, who previously managed Hull City, is well known to Chelsea co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly, who also control Strasbourg. However, the 40-year-old was keen to downplay the noise surrounding his name.

“There’s a lot of noise, a lot of speculation, but as a coach, if you get involved, you fail,” Rosenior said. “My job is here, I love this club.

“I didn’t talk to the players about it. No need — they’re online and I had a few jokes. But we’re focused on our work. The goal is to continue creating great things here.”

While stressing his current commitment, Rosenior stopped short of offering any long-term assurances.

“In life, there are zero guarantees. You never know what tomorrow will bring,” he added. “I’m just doing my job. I love this club, but I can’t guarantee anything. Nobody can.”

Chelsea are currently in caretaker mode following Maresca’s exit by mutual consent on New Year’s Day. The Italian waived compensation despite being under contract until 2029, bringing an end to a turbulent spell marked by internal tension and declining results.

Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane will take charge for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Manchester City, with the club focused on short-term stability while their longer-term managerial search continues.

Maresca’s departure followed weeks of strain behind the scenes, with sources indicating growing frustration over a lack of autonomy in player selection and repeated clashes with the medical department. Chelsea have won just one of their last seven league matches, with performances deteriorating as relations soured.

The situation reportedly reached breaking point after Maresca was booed by supporters during a recent 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. He then withdrew from his post-match press conference, citing illness, before talks over his future accelerated.

Chelsea sources have suggested concerns over Maresca’s emotional resilience, while the coach may argue that being forced to prioritise youth development for squad value placed him in an impossible position.

Despite the fallout, Maresca’s reputation remains intact elsewhere, with Manchester City having approached him regarding a potential long-term succession plan for Pep Guardiola.

For now, McFarlane is keen to keep attention away from the speculation and firmly on the immediate challenge.

“I don’t see it like an audition,” he said when asked about his role. “The team needs to be prepared and ready for the game on Sunday. Our job is to give them the best opportunity to perform in that environment.

“The brief is to prepare the lads for Sunday. That’s all I know at the moment.”

Chelsea’s focus remains on Sunday’s trip to the Etihad while the search for a permanent manager continues behind the scenes. Rosenior’s name is expected to remain in the frame, but no formal approach has yet been confirmed.

Would Liam Rosenior be the right long-term appointment for Chelsea — or should the club look for a more established name after another turbulent chapter?