(Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media/Imago)

James Murray

Thu 23 April 2026 17:15, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Chelsea’s owners have paid £45million in compensation to managers since taking over at Stamford Bridge. 

Liam Rosenior was sacked on Wednesday (22 April) after the Blues suffered five straight defeats in the Premier League.

The 41-year-old spent just three months in charge at Stamford Bridge, having joined from Strasbourg as Enzo Maresca’s replacement in January. 

Rosenior signed a contract with the London giants until 2032 earlier this year, leading to suggestions he could be owed up to £24m.

However, sources say Chelsea will pay Rosenior around £4-5m in compensation due to a break clause in his deal. 

How Chelsea’s compensation to managers breaks down

Rosenior has become the fifth manager to leave Chelsea since BlueCo – the ownership group spearheaded by Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly – took over the club from Roman Abramovich in May 2022. 

During his time at Stamford Bridge, he claimed just 11 wins from 23 matches across all competitions, leaving the Blues sitting eighth in the Premier League table.

Rosenior was drafted in to replace Maresca in January after the Italian manager’s relationship soured with the club’s board.

Finance expert Stefan Borson previously told Football Insider Maresca would be paid £5-10m in compensation following his departure.

The 46-year-old enjoyed a successful 18 months in west London, having won both the Conference League and the Club World Cup last season.

In terms of other payouts to managers during BlueCo’s reign, Thomas Tuchel received £13m in compensation after being relieved of his duties in September 2022.

Graham Potter also banked a £13m termination fee after leaving in April 2023, while Mauricio Pochettino was paid £10m following his exit in May 2024.

That means Chelsea’s owners have now paid at least £45m in compensation to managers during their four-year reign at Stamford Bridge. 

Who could replace Liam Rosenior as Chelsea manager?

Calum McFarlane, who was Rosenior’s assistant, has taken over as interim boss until the end of the season.

The 40-year-old previously took charge of two games against Manchester City and Fulham earlier this year following Maresca’s departure.

Andoni Iraola has emerged as the favourite to land the Chelsea job as he prepares to leave Bournemouth this summer. 

The Spanish boss has confirmed his time at the Vitality Stadium will come to an end once his contract expires on 30 June, having spent the past three years on the south coast.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s immediate attention turns to their FA Cup semi-final clash against Leeds United at Wembley on Sunday (26 April), with a place in the final against Man City or Southampton at stake.