(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Thu 23 April 2026 12:15, UK

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Chelsea have begun the process of hiring a new manager after Liam Rosenior was dismissed, but the job may be a poisoned chalice.

The 41-year-old’s departure comes just three months after he was appointed, following a dismal run of five straight Premier League defeats without scoring.

A 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Monday night proved to be the final straw, and Callum McFarlane will now lead the side as the interim manager until the end of the season.

Former Man United assistant manager Mick Brown told Football Insider that the blame for their dismal form should be focused on the players, not only on the manager.

This comes amid suggestions of ongoing issues in the Stamford Bridge dressing room, which will make things difficult for Chelsea’s next manager.

Why was Liam Rosenior sacked by Chelsea?

Brown told Football Insider earlier this month that Chelsea’s dressing room is toxic, and he warned Rosenior would be thrown under the bus.

Just weeks after that statement, the boss has been dismissed, with the players unhappy and seemingly downing tools and failing to adapt to his style.

Many of the players have already spoken about leaving this summer, and the new boss’ job could be an even more difficult one should a major change take place.

“Chelsea have bigger problems than just the manager,” Brown told Football Insider.

“The defeat against Man United was another black mark against the manager, and going into the game against Brighton, he knew he had to win.

“The problem at Chelsea is, these players cannot be trusted and they never seemed to be performing for the manager, that was his biggest issue.

“So the finger will be pointed at the manager and he will take the blame, but the players are equally culpable for the problems they’ve had this season.

“Whoever comes in there is going to face the same issues because the problem is with the group, not with the manager or his tactics or his style.

“They’ve been speaking publicly about different clubs, having digs at Chelsea and their decisions, and when players are doing that it shows it’s a shambles.

“It was a nightmare for Rosenior, really, and it will be a nightmare for any new manager as well unless they can get a hold on this group of players.”

Which players are to blame for Rosenior’s exit?

The dressing room atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is believed to have become increasingly toxic in recent weeks with players causing issues behind the scenes.

During the international break, a number of influential players spoke out against the club’s decision to let Enzo Maresca leave, making Rosenior’s life difficult.

Those players, notably Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella, also hinted their futures could lie elsewhere with Real Madrid and Barcelona cited.

Brown warned Football Insider last month that Chelsea stars could throw Rosenior under the bus after their public comments and Rosenior must get them on side.

Having failed to do so, he has now been dismissed, but that will not ease the concerns at Stamford Bridge with the next manager likely to face the same concerns.