Exclusive: Chelsea View Strasbourg Boss Liam Rosenior as Potential Long-Term Successor to Enzo Maresca

Chelsea view Liam Rosenior as a potential long-term successor to Enzo Maresca, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The 41-year-old has impressed Stamford Bridge chiefs with his work at Strasbourg, who are effectively controlled by the same consortium which acquired the former Premier League champions from Roman Abramovich.

Although Maresca is not under any immediate pressure in west London, having led The Blues to Europa Conference League success last term, the demands on coaches in England’s top-flight means they have compiled a list of alternative options should the Italian depart.

Chelsea followers will demand a big-name appointment when Maresca eventually leaves the capital, having previously been led by the likes of Jose Mourinho, Carlos Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel. 

But Rosenior’s work in the east of France means he would be in serious consideration to take over given the goodwill he enjoys among BlueCo’s hierarchy.

Previously of Derby County and Hull City, Rosenior’s stock rose dramatically when he led Strasbourg onto the cusp of Ligue 1’s European places earlier this year.  They have continued to make progress again this season, positioned in seventh and only three points behind second-placed Marseille.

MAJORITY STAKE

The Blues have already demonstrated their readiness to plunder Les Bleu et Blanc’s squad since BlueCo purchased a majority stake in the Alsace outfit, whilst also dispatching some of their own to Stade de la Meinau. 

Eleven have so far been transferred between them, despite growing discontent among Strasbourg’s fan base at what they see as a one-sided arrangement.

Chelsea are also looking to further leverage their ties with Strasbourg, having recently been linked with striker Joaquín Panichelli.

That anger will only grow if Rosenior also follows what is becoming an increasingly well-trodden path. But that will not dissuade Chelsea from summoning him back across the Channel should they decide he is ready to take charge when Maresca moves on.

Sources at The Blues have stressed they are happy with the progress they are making under Maresca’s leadership, particularly as he has also steered them back into the Champions League. 

But his arrival from Leicester City proves  that, in-keeping with their recruitment policy on the pitch, Chelsea are willing to take a risk on relatively unproven talents if they believe they have the qualities required to succeed.