What Liam Rosenior said about Chelsea speaks volumes as backroom staff confirmed

Liam Rosenior all but confirmed he is the new head coach of Chelsea and the Strasbourg manager’s comments about the club summarise his thoughts on the challenge

Liam Rosenior has described Chelsea as “one of the biggest sporting clubs in the world” ahead of his imminent move to Stamford Bridge.

The Strasbourg manager, 41, confirmed he is on the verge of becoming the next Blues manager in a surprise press conference called at the Ligue 1 side’s Stade de la Meinau home ground. He flew to London for talks with Chelsea sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

While he has made it clear the move is not signed, sealed and delivered, the ex-Hull City manager made it clear he intends on joining the club and bringing his assistants Kalifa Cisse and Justin Walker with him to the capital. Considering his warm comments about the west Londoners, this is a challenge he is excited to take on.

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He said: “I was given permission to speak to one of the biggest sporting clubs in the world. It looks like I am going to be the next manager of that football club [Chelsea].”

Rosenior also added: “I am so excited about the future. I have worked my whole life to be a coach and manage a world-class football club.

“That does bring sadness for what I am leaving behind. This is emotional as it is my last day and time I wake up as a Strasbourg manager. This is football.”

Despite his comments, Rosenior did make it clear he is yet to sign on the dotted line to officially confirm his move to the Blues. He added: “I haven’t signed yet, 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.”

Rosenior departs Strasbourg with the Ligue 1 club in seventh position. They are also top of the Europa Conference League table and have all but booked their place in the knockout stages.

Chelsea U21s manager Calum McFarlane is expected to remain in temporary charge for Wednesday’s away trip to Fulham. If things get signed quickly, Rosenior may well be in charge for this weekend’s FA Cup away clash against Charlton Athletic.

Rosenior inherits the west Londoners at a pivotal moment in the season. Chelsea are currently in fifth position, three points away from Liverpool and face Arsenal in a two-leg League Cup semi-final.

The Blues are also 13th in the Champions League table, two points away from the automatic qualification places for the last-16.