Predictions
Jamie Carragher has cast doubt over whether the expected appointment of Liam Rosenior as Chelsea head coach will move the club any closer to competing for the Premier League title.
Barring any late complications, Rosenior is set to replace Enzo Maresca, who departed Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day following a breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy. The 41-year-old is expected to meet Chelsea’s senior figures on Monday for face-to-face talks, with an official announcement anticipated before Wednesday’s west London derby against Fulham.
Rosenior is currently in charge of Strasbourg, another club owned by BlueCo, and preparations for his departure are already underway in France. Strasbourg president Marc Keller has reportedly begun interviewing potential replacements, with a shortlist of three candidates already drawn up.
Chelsea Steady After Maresca Exit
Chelsea’s first match since Maresca’s departure ended in a creditable 1-1 draw away at Manchester City, with Enzo Fernández scoring a stoppage-time equaliser at the Etihad Stadium.
Under-21 coach Calum McFarlane took charge of the side for the trip to Manchester and is expected to return to his usual role once Rosenior’s appointment is confirmed.
Rosenior’s managerial career to date includes spells at Derby County, Hull City and Strasbourg, while his playing career saw him represent clubs such as Hull, Fulham, Reading and Brighton before retiring in 2018.
Carragher: ‘This Is Coming Too Early’
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher admitted he was a “big fan” of Maresca but said his exit was predictable given the growing tension with Chelsea’s ownership.
“I was a big fan of Enzo Maresca as a manager,” Carragher said.
“When he came up against some of the biggest managers in this league, he more than held his own.
“But I could see this coming. As soon as the results started to deteriorate and he didn’t turn up at a press conference, it felt inevitable.”
Carragher believes the spotlight will now fall squarely on Chelsea’s ownership and questioned whether Rosenior is the right fit at this stage of his career.
“If you look at the timeline of managers, they inherited Thomas Tuchel, a Champions League-winning manager,” he added.
“Now it looks like they’re going to inherit Liam Rosenior, who has managed Derby, Hull and Strasbourg.
“It’s a great opportunity for him, but Chelsea Football Club and their supporters are not used to those types of appointments. They’re used to Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink, Antonio Conte — managers who come in and make an instant, massive impact.
“I don’t see Rosenior doing that.”
Top Four the Ceiling?
Carragher stressed that his comments were not a criticism of Rosenior personally, but rather a reflection of Chelsea’s traditional expectations.
“His target will be to get Chelsea into the Champions League next season, and they’re more than capable of doing that,” Carragher said.
“But I don’t think this appointment puts Chelsea on course to win a Premier League title or the Champions League — and that’s what Chelsea should be aspiring to.
“It’s not a lack of respect. He’s a young manager on a journey, but this job feels like it’s coming too early.”
Neville Shares Concerns Over Experience
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville echoed similar concerns, questioning whether Rosenior’s appointment would bring enough authority to an already youthful Chelsea squad.
“You genuinely can’t win anything with kids — that’s a fact,” Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast.
“Chelsea need experience around the club. If you’ve got young players on the pitch, I think you also need an experienced manager.
“But it looks like they’re going to appoint another young coach again. Young players need authority and guidance.”
Chelsea’s draw at Manchester City leaves them fifth in the Premier League, three points outside the Champions League places, with the club’s long-term direction once again under intense scrutiny.
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