CHELSEA this evening axed Liam Rosenior less than four months after his doomed appointment.
Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is a leading candidate to replace Rosenior this summer, having already turned down Crystal Palace twice.
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Liam Rosenior lasted just four months as Chelsea manager Credit: Reuters
Departing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola could be his replacement Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Rosenior turned on his players following their fifth straight Premier League defeat at Brighton on Tuesday night and club bosses decided to axe him after talks this morning.
The 41-year-old was brought in from sister club Strasbourg in January following Enzo Maresca’s exit despite having zero Premier League experience.
Chelsea have hinted at a change in strategy in terms of their next manager, saying the ownership will have a period of “self-reflection” before making a decision.
Their past two permanent managers have been given the job without Premier League experience.
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The hierarchy are also planning to alter their youth-focused recruitment policy with co-owner Behdad Eghbali recently saying they would look to sign “ready-made” players this summer.
Calum McFarlane, the former Under-21s manager who took interim charge of two games before Rosenior’s arrival, will be in charge for the remainder of the season, starting with Jattvibeday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds.
Blues players were informed of the decision at Cobham this afternoon, before the club confirmed their decision officially.
In a statement, Chelsea said: “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club.
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“Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment mid-way through the season.
“This has not been a decision the club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season.
“Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.
“Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup.
“As the club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”
Rosenior made a bright start to life at Chelsea, winning eight of his first 11 games at the club.
However, an 8-2 thrashing on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League sparked a run which has seen the Blues go five games without a league win, without scoring, for the first time since 1912.
The club were prepared to stick with Rosenior regardless of whether Chelsea qualified for the Champions League or not this summer, but the scale of the collapse has changed that position.
Chelsea appreciate the challenge Rosenior faced in joining mid-season, but feel they have a better chance in the FA Cup semi-final this weekend with McFarlane in charge.
Rosenior, who was subjected to abuse by the away end at Brighton, is thought to have received a pay-off of around £4million – a year’s wages.
Rosenior signed a six-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge in January Credit: Getty
The 3-0 defeat to Brighton proved the final straw Credit: Alamy
