Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior as manager after losing 3-0 to Brighton. The 41-year-old replaced Enzo Maresca in January but left the club less than four months after managing just 23 games.
In Rosenior’s last game as manager, the Blues set an unwelcome record by losing five consecutive Premier League games without scoring for the first time since 1912. Chelsea have won just one of their last eight games in all competitions, but Rosenior led the club to 10 wins in his first 15 games in charge.
An emergency meeting was held to decide how the Blues should proceed. The way we lost against Brighton seemed to have gone too far.
Callum MacFarlane will take over the Blues on an interim basis just days before the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United. The Chelsea coach has experience in a first-team environment, having taken on the same role following Maresca’s departure earlier this year.
A club statement announcing the player’s departure said: “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, I would like to thank Liam and his staff for their hard work during his time at the club. Liam has always conducted himself with the utmost integrity and professionalism since his appointment mid-season.”
“This is not a decision taken by the club lightly, but recent results and performances have been below the required standard and there is still much to play for this season. Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam all the best in his future endeavors.”
“Callum MacFarlane will lead the team as interim head coach until the end of the season, with the support of the club’s existing backroom staff, as we aim to qualify for Europe and advance in the FA Cup. “As the club seeks to bring stability to the head coaching position, we will embark on a process of reflection to ensure we make a suitable long-term appointment.”
Before Rosenior left, there appeared to be a rift between him and the players. The former Strasbourg manager gave a scathing review of the game against Brighton, suggesting that everyone in the squad did not put in the necessary effort.
In his final words as Chelsea head coach, Rosenior said: “Basically, in terms of the pride that you should have when you put on the uniform, that was unacceptable. I’ve been protecting my players and I have a responsibility. I’ve always said that.”
“After tonight, I think the players also need to look in the mirror at their efforts. It’s okay to talk about tactics, but tactics come after the basics. We played with more courage, won duels, won headers, won tackles and conceded a terrible goal. Tonight was an unacceptable performance.”
