Rosenior confirms ‘verbal agreement’ to become new Chelsea manager

Liam Rosenior has confirmed that he has verbally agreed to join Chelsea but stressed he has not signed a deal with the club yet.

Chelsea parted ways with their former coach Enzo Maresca on New Years Day, and Rosenior has since been linked with the job.

Rosenior has reportedly been holding talks with Chelsea this week and the Strasbourg boss explained that he has reached a “verbal agreement” to become the next Chelsea manager.

“I haven’t signed yet,” he said. “I have agreed verbally with Chelsea. It’s really important, this is different to anything anyone has ever done – nobody has made a statement before they have signed a contract.

“Everything is agreed and it will probably go through in the next few hours. I’m here because I care about this club and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on.”

"There are certain moments in your life when you have a decision to make that you cannot say no to." 💪

Liam Rosenior explains WHY he took the Chelsea job 👊 pic.twitter.com/l45dXmY3Ow

— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) January 6, 2026

BFMTv, via AP

Rosenior revealed that he has received interest from other clubs, but says he could not turn down Chelsea.

“The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career,” he said. “I have met some incredible people and created some incredible memories and made history.

“None of that happens without the investment of our ownership and hard work of our president.

“I have had interest from many clubs, including Champions League clubs, which I have always been open with to [our president] Marc [Keller] and our ownership.

“I will love this club for the rest of my life, but I cannot turn down Chelsea.”

The Strasbourg boss also confirmed that his assistants Kalifa Cisse and Justin Walker, as well as Strasbourg’s head of analysis Ben Warner will be joining him at Chelsea.

“I would not be in this position without my unbelievable staff,” Rosenior added.

“I am leaving a lot of really good people behind. What I do know is that a good group of people are coming in.

“I have never met a person with such emotional intelligence as I have with Kalifa [Cisse]. Sadly for Strasbourg he is coming with me.”