Chelsea are once again searching for a new manager following the shock dismissal of Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day.
Liam Rosenior, currently in charge of sister club Strasbourg, has quickly emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge. The former Hull City boss has impressed Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali during his time in Ligue 1, with Strasbourg also owned by the BlueCo consortium.
If appointed, Rosenior would become Chelsea’s sixth manager in just four years under the current ownership. While the move would represent a major step up from Strasbourg, his coaching philosophy suggests continuity rather than wholesale change.
Like Maresca, Rosenior favours a possession-based system that builds from the back. However, there are key tactical differences. While Maresca rigidly stuck to a 4-2-3-1 formation, Rosenior has preferred a 3-4-2-1 at Strasbourg, occasionally switching to a 4-3-1-2.
Given Chelsea’s defensive issues and inconsistency in attack, the 3-4-2-1 could provide greater balance. The system would allow Cole Palmer and Brazilian wonderkid Estevao to operate behind a central striker, with Palmer given freedom to roam between the lines.
Rosenior’s approach would likely revolve around getting Palmer on the ball in dangerous half-spaces. Under Mauricio Pochettino, Palmer averaged around 65 touches per 90 minutes, becoming Chelsea’s focal point. That figure dropped to around 57 under Maresca, largely due to a more structured system with inverted full-backs.
In attack, Joao Pedro could lead the line, although Rosenior may push for the signing of Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha, whom he previously made captain and publicly praised for his energy and selflessness.
Liam Delap could also benefit from Rosenior’s arrival. The striker enjoyed a productive loan spell under him at Hull City, scoring eight goals, and could once again be trusted as a central figure.
However, the system may not suit natural wingers such as Alejandro Garnacho or Jamie Gittens, who thrive in wide areas. Pedro Neto’s versatility could help him adapt across the front line.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are expected to remain key figures. However, with wing-backs replacing inverted full-backs, Fernandez could face increased defensive responsibility. Rosenior also prefers quick, short passing over long, ambitious balls — something that could put Fernandez under pressure, with Andrey Santos waiting in the wings.
Defensively, Rosenior could deploy a back three of Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah, with Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella operating as wing-backs in front of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Alternatively, Rosenior may opt for his 4-3-1-2 system, placing Palmer in the No.10 role behind Joao Pedro and Delap, while Santos partners Caicedo and Fernandez in midfield.
Without the ball, Chelsea’s approach would also change. Rosenior’s teams are known for setting pressing traps, deliberately inviting passes to weaker opponents before swarming them aggressively. While this high-energy approach suits Chelsea’s young squad, its effectiveness in the Premier League remains to be seen.
Winners: Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, Estevao
Losers: Alejandro Garnacho, Enzo Fernandez, Jamie Gittens
