Liam Rosenior Stands Tall as Chelsea's Top Target Amid Manager Speculation

Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has expressed his desire to work "at the highest possible level" as speculation grows about his potential move to become the new Chelsea manager. Rosenior, 41, is currently the leading candidate to replace Enzo Maresca, who was unexpectedly dismissed by Chelsea earlier this week.

Rosenior has been in charge of Strasbourg, a French club and a sister team to Chelsea, since July 2024. The club is owned by BlueCo, the same group that includes Chelsea chairman and co-controlling owner Todd Boehly along with Clearlake Capital.

Strasbourg recently drew 1-1 against Nice, and after the match, Rosenior addressed questions about his future. Although he did not confirm any details, he used the opportunity to reflect on his time in France and his ambitions moving forward.

"I love this group. I love this club, more than most people probably think," Rosenior said. "I've had the 18 best months of my professional career, for sure. I've made many good friends, and I have so much respect for the people here."

He continued: "Things aren't concrete, there may be interest, we'll see. And at the end of the day, I want to focus on Strasbourg and not other things at the moment. I haven't discussed anything at this point. I know that they're (Chelsea) looking for a manager."

• Chelsea icon does NOT have cancer as health mystery solved after friend's claim
• Alan Shearer makes telling Enzo Maresca prediction after private Man City job talks

"Obviously, it's our sister club. Other than that, I really want to focus on this club, because this club has given me so much, so many good memories, so many good times, the players, the fans, it's a great city. Like I said before, if something happens, it happens. At the moment, nothing has happened, and that's all I can say on the matter."

"I think every coach wants to work at the highest possible level. I've never been afraid to say that, and I'm working at a very high level here. It (Strasbourg) is a massive club. It's a world-class club. It's a winning football club."

"But if you focus on other clubs when you're doing your job for your club, you're not doing your job for the club. I know that there's a lot of speculation. I'd have to be an alien not to know, but at the same time, I want to give my players the maximum. I want to give this club the maximum."

Before the game in Nice, Rosenior told reporters: "I don't know what's to come. I have no idea what the future holds. My focus is exactly the same as how it's been when I first came into this job. My focus is the team, winning games, all the things I have to do with Strasbourg being successful."

"If anything else happens between now and the next six months, that's out of my control. If you're a manager and you take notice of what's being said in the media, you'd probably go crazy."

"My job is here. I love this club. I'm working to win the game tomorrow. Of course, I'm aware that there's speculation, but I think that's a reflection on the great work that everybody's done at this football club."

When asked if he had contacted BlueCo, Rosenior replied: "They have been so supportive of me in this job. They want this club to do so well as they also want Chelsea to do well as well."

Rosenior led Strasbourg to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, securing a spot in the Conference League. Towards the end of the campaign, the former full-back signed a new three-year contract.

The new deal came amid reports that several Premier League clubs had approached Strasbourg regarding his availability. Chelsea is expected to announce Maresca's successor in the coming days.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out anytime you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.