Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

Chelsea lay groundwork to replace 'dead man walking' Liam Rosenior, sack plan revealed

Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior is seen internally as a "dead man walking" and is likely to be sacked at the end of the season, sources have told Football Insider.

The Blues are already laying the groundwork to appoint a replacement with early feelers sent out to agents and third parties representing potential candidates.

Rosenior was appointed in January following the sacking of Enzo Maresca but has struggled to provide any tangible sign of improving the team amid growing dressing room discord.

Saturday's 7-0 win over Port Vale brought an end to a run of four consecutive defeats, two of which saw the London club dumped out of the Champions League.

Chelsea's next manager will be expected to lead the club back to Premier League title contention, with fans growing frustrated with the owners.

Liam Rosenior doubts realised

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider this week that Chelsea players are unhappy with the situation at Stamford Bridge.

Vice-captain Enzo Fernandez was recently suspended for two games after he openly spoke out about the possibility of leaving the club after March's defeat to PSG.

Liam RoseniorChelsea
Wins11
Draws2
Losses7
Scored47
Conceded31

Rosenior explained his decision to punish the 25-year-old last week, but there is a feeling that the feeling of discontent is spreading in the Chelsea camp.

Maresca's exit was a surprise to many, after the Italian had led his squad to win the Conference League last season and the Club World Cup in the summer.

Disagreements with the ownership led to a breakdown in relationship, with the former Leicester City boss eventually leaving after a series of outspoken press conferences.

What was more surprising was Chelsea's decision to hire Rosenior - a manager with even less experience than Maresca.

The 41-year-old faced doubts over his ability to handle big-name players, given that his experience consists solely of time with Derby County, Hull City and Strasbourg.

Those concerns appear to have been realised in recent weeks, with Rosenior now facing a quick exit.

Who could be the next Chelsea manager?

Several Premier League clubs are expected to be looking for a new manager this summer. Roberto De Zerbi likely would have featured on Chelsea's list, but he has been appointed by Tottenham.

A number of managers will be out of contract in the summer, including Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola.

The likes of Cesc Fabregas and Frank Lampard could also be targeted, due to their connections to Chelsea.

More audacious targets include the likes of PSG boss Luis Enrique and Unai Emery, although it is not yet clear what direction decision-makers will look to go in.

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