Chelsea sack head coach Liam Rosenior following defeat to Brighton, with a familiar face appointed as manager until the end of the season
Liam Rosenior sacked, Chelsea replacement named (Image: Chris Lee – Chelsea FC, Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Callum MacFarlane will take over the reins of Chelsea until the end of the season while the club searches for a new head coach. MacFarlane will take up the role of interim manager for the second time this season, following the sacking of manager Liam Rosenior.
The Blues intend to “reflect” before making a permanent appointment following the tragic ending of Rosenior’s time as manager. It is understood that the club are not currently in active negotiations with a potential replacement.
The former Strasbourg manager replaced Enzo Maresca in January, but the club had a dreadful run of five consecutive defeats without scoring. Defeat against Brighton appeared to be the final nail in the coffin as Rosenior publicly questioned the commitment of his players.
Manager MacFarlane has been winless in his last two games, with just one draw. He led the Blues to a stalemate against Manchester City before suffering defeat at the hands of local rivals Fulham.
The club made their intentions clear in an official statement confirming Rosenior’s departure. “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, I would like to thank Liam and his staff for all their efforts during his time at the club,” the statement said.
read more: Liam Rosenior sacked, new stance on Chelsea’s next manager revealedread more: Chelsea decide to replace Cesc Fabregas with Liam Rosenior as manager after brutal sacking
“Liam has always acted with the utmost integrity and professionalism since his appointment midway through the season. This is not a decision the club has taken lightly, but his recent results and performances have been below the required standards and he still has a lot more to play 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, supported by the club’s existing backroom staff, as we strive to qualify for Europe and progress in the FA Cup.”
“As the club works to stabilize the head coaching position, we will embark on a reflective process to make a suitable long-term appointment.”
Liam Rosenior was sacked by Chelsea on Wednesday (Image: Chelsea FC, Getty Images)
Former Under-21 team manager MacFarlane spoke candidly about his position ahead of January’s game against Manchester City. “It’s always awkward when interim players come in, but it’s more for them than it is for us,” he said.
“The important thing is that they produce performances at the level they have achieved so far against top teams. We have had some of our best results this year and we know what this team is capable of.
“My message to them is to bring the best version of ourselves, to all work together, to do well over the next few days and hopefully have a good performance on Sunday.”
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