Chelsea have sacked head coach Liam Rosenior after a sharp decline in results, bringing an abrupt end to a tenure that lasted little more than three months.
The 41-year-old was appointed in January on a long-term contract following the departure of Enzo Maresca, but leaves after just 23 matches in charge. In that period, Chelsea recorded 10 wins, three draws and 10 defeats across all competitions.
The decision follows a 3-0 loss to Brighton, which extended Chelsea’s Premier League losing run to five games without scoring — the club’s worst such sequence since 1912. The downturn has been steep, with seven defeats in their last eight matches in all competitions, leaving them seventh in the table and outside the Champions League places with only a handful of games remaining.
In a statement, Chelsea said the decision had not been taken lightly but admitted that recent performances had “fallen below the necessary standards” at a critical stage of the season.
Rosenior himself had openly criticised his players after the Brighton defeat, describing the display as “unacceptable” and pointing to a lack of intensity and basic application. Those comments reflected wider concerns around consistency, with Chelsea struggling in both penalty areas and failing to build momentum.
The club have appointed Calum McFarlane as interim head coach until the end of the season, supported by the existing backroom staff. Chelsea remain in contention for European qualification and face an FA Cup semifinal in the coming days.
Rosenior’s departure underlines the urgency at Stamford Bridge. Initially seen as a long-term appointment, his exit highlights the pressure created by results and the club’s immediate objectives.
Attention now turns to the search for a permanent successor, as Chelsea attempt to stabilise both performance and direction heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
Coach Rosenior axed as Chelsea collapse
