Calum McFarlane to Lead Team for Fulham Clash as Transition Begins.

Liam Rosenior, Chelsea head coach

Chelsea Football Club have officially appointed Liam Rosenior as their new head coach on a contract running until 2032, the club announced on January 7, 2026.

The 41-year-old Englishman arrives from RC Strasbourg – a sister club under the BlueCo ownership group – where he achieved European qualification in his debut season.

Rosenior replaces Enzo Maresca, who departed on New Year’s Day amid reported tensions.

Under-21 head coach Calum McFarlane, who oversaw a 1-1 draw at Manchester City in his interim debut, will remain in charge for Wednesday’s Premier League derby at Fulham.

Speaking at Cobham, McFarlane said: “I spoke to Liam briefly last night, and he’s really excited to take the role. I’ve been told I am leading the game tomorrow, and we will try to do the best job… and give him the three points to take and then build on.”

Rosenior is expected to be in the stands at Craven Cottage and will lead his first training session on Thursday ahead of the FA Cup third-round tie against Charlton Athletic.

The new boss brings his Strasbourg staff, including assistants Kalifa Cissé and Justin Walker, plus head of analysis Ben Warner.

Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League and are competing across multiple fronts.

This marks another bold move under the Boehly-Clearlake ownership, with Rosenior’s progressive style and familiarity with the multi-club model key factors.