Liam Rosenior: I question if he’ll ‘stick up for himself’ against Chelsea’s owners
Chelsea are taking a risk on the managerial appointment of Liam Rosenior from French club Strasbourg.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes Chelsea‘s multi-club ownership model played a part in the appointment.
Rosenior was confirmed as Chelsea’s new manager just days after Enzo Maresca had left the club after 18 months in charge.
The 41-year-old had previously managed Hull City in the Championship, before taking the Strasbourg job in 2024.
‘Personality match’ between Chelsea and Liam Rosenior
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – is willing to give Rosenior a chance at Chelsea.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks the London club appointed Rosenior due to their chance to observe him closely at Strasbourg.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, he’s been given a six-year contract, which is a long contract. You know, that’s a fairly big one, six years. Would I bet that he’s going to be there in six years? Well, we’ll have to see.
“Look, of all the people that I’ve seen, and I’ve observed Rosenior, at Hull, and I’ve seen him, you know, at Strasbourg to a degree. He’s got a chance, and I think he has got a chance, but I think he will be the one that is prepared to work in the system that is already there and imposed on him to a degree.
“It’s what Chelsea want, so if he’s going to fit in the system, I think he’s got enough personality to stick up for himself. I think he is a genuinely honest, intelligent guy, and I’m going to give him a chance. It is a risk, but then again, the benefit of the multi-club ownership here, is that he’s had a chance to work with Strasbourg, and therefore with Blue Co.
“They’ve had a chance to observe him. They have had a chance to observe his personality and his character. So maybe there is that personality match that I’ve just been talking about. I hope there is, and I hope they’ve paid attention to that.”
Chelsea keeping tabs on Wolves star
Rosenior has managed Liam Delap and Andrey Santos before at his previous clubs, with the duo backed to succeed under the new boss.
Meanwhile, Wolves forward Matheus Mane has attracted the attention of Chelsea following a breakthrough campaign with the Old Gold.
Wolves‘ likely relegation to the Championship means Mane could be up for sale in the summer transfer window in order to raise funds.