Chelsea Back Liam Rosenior Despite Poor Run as Champions League Qualification Remains Priority
Chelsea have confirmed that manager Liam Rosenior is not under immediate threat despite a poor run of form that has seen the Blues lose four consecutive matches in the Premier League and Champions League.
Rosenior, 41, took over at Stamford Bridge on January 8, succeeding Enzo Maresca, who won the Conference League and Club World Cup during his tenure. The former Derby and Hull City coach was brought in from French side Strasbourg, marking his first managerial role in England’s top flight.
The Chelsea squad has struggled under Rosenior’s guidance, failing to score in three consecutive matches against Newcastle, Paris Saint-Germain, and Everton.
Their most recent 3-0 defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium drew boos from traveling fans.
Rosenior shared his thoughts on the defeat after the game. He told reporters, “The most disappointing evening so far. In terms of the things we spoke about, not gifting goals away, getting control of the game – it wasn’t there. For me, we arrived in the final third a lot. We had an edgy start and then managed to gain control of the game but we weren’t clinical enough. Out of nowhere, they score – and that’s not the first time that has happened. We came out in the second half, had control of the game and made a mistake and we were 2-0 down.
“For me, it’s not a lack of effort or belief in the team. When you’re on a run of defeats we’re on, those things get levelled at you but I don’t think that’s the problem at the moment.
“I think through the season, if you look at the stats before me. I don’t want to make excuses – that was not good enough, the last week hasn’t been good enough. Why the international break has come at a good time for us, some of the players maybe can have a reset, have a different environment and then come back.
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Chelsea also exited the Champions League in a heavy 8-2 aggregate loss to PSG and suffered Carabao Cup semi-final disappointment against Arsenal.
Despite these setbacks, Rosenior remains supported by the club hierarchy. Transfer and football expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Chelsea officials view the squad as “not yet built for him” and will continue to back him while focusing on securing Champions League football next season. BBC Sport echoes this, highlighting that qualification for Europe’s elite competition is crucial for Chelsea’s revenue through TV deals, prize money, and matchday income.
Chelsea are still competing in the FA Cup, reaching the quarter-finals, but questions remain about Rosenior’s long-term impact. Analysts note that the former Strasbourg boss will ultimately be judged on results, as the club seeks stability and a return to the Champions League stage in 2026-27.
Rosenior has now won just 10 of 19 games as manager since replacing Enzo Maresca in the Chelsea dugout, with four of those victories having come in cup competitions.