Chelsea has sacked manager Liam Rosenior after only three months due to a series of poor performances, including five consecutive Premier League defeats. The decision follows a 3-0 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion, marking the club's worst run in 114 years.
Key points
Chelsea fired manager Liam Rosenior after three months.
The team suffered five consecutive Premier League defeats.
Chelsea's performance marked their worst run in 114 years.
Rosenior's remarks after the Brighton match upset senior players.
Chelsea will play Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final next.
Mentioned in this story
Liam Rosenior
ChelseaBrighton and Hove AlbionLeeds United
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior looks on after a game
Chelsea have fired manager Liam Rosenior after just three months in charge -Credit:Warren Little/Getty Images
(Warren Little/Getty Images)
Chelsea have announced the dismissal of Liam Rosenior after just three months at the helm. Tuesday's dismal 3-0 defeat away at Brighton and Hove Albion represented the Blues' fifth successive Premier League loss without finding the net and their worst run of top-flight form in 114 years.
Rosenior, 41, branded his side's display as 'unacceptable' and pledged to make changes ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United. However, the Englishman was relieved of his duties before the trip to Wembley after senior players reacted furiously to his post-match remarks. Chelsea's hierarchy convened talks on Wednesday regarding Rosenior's position, ultimately opting to change managers once again, as per The Mirror.
An official club statement read: "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.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior acknowledges fans after a Premier League loss
Q&A
Why did Chelsea fire Liam Rosenior?
Chelsea fired Liam Rosenior due to a string of five consecutive Premier League losses and a poor overall performance during his short tenure.
What was Chelsea's worst run of form in history?
Chelsea's current run of five straight Premier League defeats without scoring is their worst in 114 years.
Who will Chelsea face in the FA Cup after firing Rosenior?
Chelsea is set to face Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior.
How long was Liam Rosenior in charge of Chelsea?
Liam Rosenior was in charge of Chelsea for just three months before being dismissed.
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Rosenior's exit comes a day after the Blues lost 3-0 at Brighton and Hove Albion -Credit:Darren Walsh, Chelsea FC via Getty Images
"Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway 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 had been appointed in January following the surprising departure of Enzo Maresca, who vacated the Stamford Bridge hot seat after 18 months. The former Hull City manager was effectively elevated from his position at sister club Strasbourg in France, having signed a six-and-a-half-year contract.
His appointment drew further attention to Chelsea's contentious ownership model, which has been the subject of supporter protests in recent weeks. BlueCo, the consortium spearheaded by Todd Boehly and investment firm Clearlake Capital, formed upon acquiring Chelsea in 2022, have now parted company with five permanent managers at the club.
Following a 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United on Saturday, compounded by victories for Liverpool and Aston Villa on Sunday, Chelsea's UEFA Champions League aspirations were hanging by a thread, making a victory against Brighton absolutely essential. However, Rosenior's side found themselves behind with only three minutes on the clock.
Supporters in the away end made their displeasure abundantly clear regarding Chelsea's dismal display, Rosenior, and the club's ownership with a series of chants. Speaking after the final whistle, Rosenior conceded that he could not defend his side's performance, which was 'by far' the worst of their woeful run stretching back to early March.
"That was unacceptable in every aspect," he said. "Unacceptable in terms of the attitude. I keep coming out and defending the players [but] that performance tonight was indefensible. Something needs to change drastically here right now."
Chelsea's head coach Liam Rosenior reacts on the touchline during a Premier League game
Rosenior had led Chelsea to five straight Premier League losses -Credit:Glyn KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Performances and results weren't the only concerns during Rosenior's tenure, which began promisingly with six victories in seven matches across all competitions. Leaked team news and key figures such as vice-captain Enzo Fernandez hinting at a summer departure added to the toxic atmosphere surrounding Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior added: "We need to look in the mirror. I need to look in the mirror. I can't keep coming out here [and] defending some of the things that we're seeing.
"At Manchester United, genuinely the result wasn't there, [but] I felt we'd turned a corner. But the general attitude [and] spirit was lacking [tonight].
"Maybe three or four out of the 11 [performed] - that's nowhere near enough for this club. That's nowhere near enough. I can't come out and lie, I'll tell the truth. That was an unacceptable performance in every area.
"It's a really, really difficult night. The most difficult night, not even [just] here at this magnificent football club, but in my career. Some of the things I was witnessing today, I never want to see ever again.
"To be even accused of throwing the towel in, it's unacceptable. That's all I'm gonna say. I'm hurting. That doesn't represent me. That doesn't represent the football club in any way and that has to change, starting with the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday."
However, Rosenior will not be occupying the Wembley dugout, his brief spell in charge having already been brought to a close.
