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Chelsea sack manager Liam Rosenior after four months and a poor run of defeats, assistant Calum McFarlane takes over as Chelsea chase Europe amid big financial losses.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior (X)
Chelsea have sacked Liam Rosenior after a brief and turbulent spell in charge, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure just under four months after his appointment on a six-year contract.
The decision follows a dramatic downturn in form, with the team suffering five straight Premier League defeats without scoring — the first such instance in over a century. Across all competitions, the Blues have lost seven of their last eight matches, intensifying pressure on both the manager and the club’s leadership.
Rosenior, 41, was brought in from Strasbourg (a club also owned by Chelsea’s owners, BlueCo) in January after Enzo Maresca’s departure, a move that raised eyebrows at the time despite initial optimism.
However, a dismal 3-0 loss to Brighton, described by Rosenior himself as ‘unacceptable’, proved decisive. In an official statement, Chelsea confirmed the separation, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision while emphasizing that recent performances had fallen short of expectations during a crucial stage of the season.
“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. 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,” the statement said.
Assistant coach Calum McFarlane has been placed in temporary charge for the remainder of the campaign. He had done the same when Maresca was sacked, leading them to a 1-1 draw against Manchester City and a 2-1 defeat to Fulham.
His immediate task will be a high-stakes FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United, as Chelsea attempt to salvage something from an increasingly disappointing season. Currently seventh in the league and seven points off the Champions League places with only four matches left, their margin for recovery is slim.
Off the pitch, financial concerns add further urgency. The club recently reported a staggering pre-tax loss exceeding £260 million, increasing the importance of securing European football next season. The board has indicated it will now begin a period of reflection before making a long-term managerial appointment.
Rosenior’s tenure never fully stabilized. After a promising start, results quickly deteriorated, including a League Cup exit to Arsenal and a heavy Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Reports of dressing room tensions surfaced, echoing earlier unrest that had contributed to Maresca’s exit. Public comments from players questioning club decisions and internal disciplinary issues further highlighted instability.
The broader picture raises deeper concerns about Chelsea’s direction. Despite massive spending since the ownership change, success has been limited. To make matters worse, Rosenair’s departure is likely to cost Chelsea around Rs. 300 crore.
April 22, 2026, 11:50 PM IST
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