Chelsea Football Club have dismissed head coach Liam Rosenior after a disappointing run of results that saw the club’s performances fall below expectations, the club announced on Wednesday.
In an official statement, Chelsea confirmed that they had “parted company” with Rosenior and thanked him for his professionalism during his time at Stamford Bridge, “Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior.
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,” the statement read.
The club added that Rosenior had conducted himself with “the highest integrity and professionalism” since being appointed midway through the season but noted that recent results had “fallen below the necessary standards.”
The Premier League side also confirmed that Calum McFarlane will take charge as interim head coach until the end of the season while the club begins the process of appointing a permanent manager.
According to the club, McFarlane will lead the team with the support of existing backroom staff as Chelsea continue their push for European qualification and attempt to progress in the FA Cup.
Rosenior’s departure follows a dismal run of form that significantly dented Chelsea’s hopes of finishing in the Premier League’s top positions. The team lost five consecutive league matches without scoring, a run that had not occurred at the club since 1912.
The final blow came after a heavy 3–0 defeat away to Brighton & Hove Albion, a performance widely criticised by fans and pundits. The loss left Chelsea sitting seventh in the table and seven points off the Champions League qualification spots with only a handful of matches remaining.
The club had lost seven of their previous eight matches across competitions, a slump that ultimately convinced the hierarchy that a managerial change was necessary.
Rosenior, 41, had only taken charge of Chelsea in January after replacing Enzo Maresca and had signed a long-term contract running until 2032. However, his time in charge lasted just over three months, making it one of the shortest managerial spells in the club’s recent history.
He initially enjoyed a promising start with several early victories, but performances quickly deteriorated as the season progressed. Injuries to key players and mounting pressure from supporters further compounded the team’s struggles.
Chelsea said the club would now reflect internally as it seeks a long-term solution for the managerial position, “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,” the club stated.
McFarlane’s first major test will be guiding Chelsea through the remaining league fixtures and their upcoming FA Cup commitments as the club attempts to salvage its season.
Rosenior, meanwhile, leaves Stamford Bridge with the club expressing appreciation for his efforts and wishing him success in the next stage of his coaching career.