3 days ago
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Liam Rosenior is the new Chelsea head coach to replace Enzo Maresca
Liam Rosenior has defended his decision to become the new head coach of Chelsea. The Strasbourg boss has replaced Enzo Maresca in the dugout.
He flew to London on Sunday, following the French outfit's 1-1 draw away to Nice, to hold face-to-face talks with the Blues, football.london understands. Rosenior was accompanied by the Strasbourg sporting director, David Weir, and president, Marc Keller.
The 41-year-old then returned to France on Monday evening before announcing his departure the following morning. During the press conference at the Stade de la Meinau, Rosenior defended his decision to jump ship.
"I've had interest from Champions League clubs last season, but I said no and saw out the season," said the former Hull City boss. "If PSG, Real Madrid or Barcelona came in for me, would it still be seen as disrespectful?
"That's the business of football; this is not the first time a manager has left a club mid-season, and it won't be the last," added Rosenior. Reflecting on a whirlwind weekend, the Englishman said: "I didn’t know what was going to happen on Saturday night.
"What's happened since, I was given the chance to speak to, for me, actually not for me, it's the truth that they're one of the biggest football clubs in the world. They were Club World Cup champions and it's an honour for me to be associated with a club like that.
"It will probably go through in the next few hours. I'm here because I care about this club. I felt it was right for me to answer your questions physically before I move on to the next step in my career."
It's expected that the Englishman will appear in the dugout for the first time when Chelsea lock horns with Charlton Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon. In the meantime, Calum McFarlane will remain in charge of first-team duties.
The caretaker boss will oversee Wednesday night's clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Later in the press conference, Rosenior claimed that he's always dreamed of managing a 'world-class football club'.
He continued: "My whole life I have worked to be a coach. To be presented this opportunity to manage a world-class football club is something I've dreamed of. I'm emotional. This is my last day, the last time, that I wake up as Strasbourg manager."
When asked if the appointment is bad timing for Strasbourg, whose fans have protested against their involvement in the BlueCo project, Rosenior added: "We will see in the future.
"In life, you cannot guarantee anything good or bad. Good things or bad things can happen. What I would say is that I travelled yesterday with Marc and David to not only take an opportunity but also make sure this club moves forward.
"Whoever comes in will be of very high calibre help this club be successful for years to come."
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