Chelsea hire former Hull boss as new head coach after Maresca's abrupt departure

Chelsea FC have appointed Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior as head coach following Enzo Maresca's abrupt exit.

London-born Rosenior, 41, has admitted his new position at the Premier League club represents a significant step up from his previous job in France. "The reality is Strasbourg is not on the level as Chelsea," he said at press conference at the French club - also owned by Chelsea's parent company BlueCo.

"There are certain clubs you just cannot just turn down. I hope the [Strasbourg] fans can see that." Rosenior, who played in England for 16 years, began his managerial career at Derby County - where he got the top job on an interim basis.

His first permanent position was at Hull City, where he lasted for 18 months and took the Championship to the brink of the play-offs before being sacked by the owner who said the pair had a difference in footballing philosophy. Rosenior, who has been given a six-and-a-half year contract at Chelsea, said on Tuesday that managing a "world class" club was "something I have always dreamed of".

"I am looking forward to the challenge," he said. "If I didn't think I was ready, I wouldn't have accepted it.

Chelsea said that the club's new head coach had "signed a contract with the club that will take him through to 2032". "Liam has shown that he can build teams with a clear way of playing while setting the highest standards with players on and off the pitch," a club statement said.

"Liam has the ability to get the best out of this squad quickly and joins us with the responsibility and the backing to ensure Chelsea continues to compete at the top level in all competitions this season and in seasons to come." Rosenior becomes Chelsea's fourth permanent boss since owners BlueCo took control in 2022. Maresca was dismissed on New Year's Day, leaving abruptly following a deterioration in his relationship with bosses.

It also followed a disappointing run of results - one win from the last seven Premier League games - that left the club 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal. Maresca is understood to have stepped down because he felt his position was untenable, while Chelsea were already considering sacking the head coach due to poor results, his comments in the media, disagreements with the medical team and reports linking him with other clubs.

Read more from Sky News:Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim sackedMan Utd's fresh leadership may just have made things more tumultuous Rosenior is set to become head coach at Chelsea in time for the FA Cup third-round tie at Championship side Charlton Athletic on Saturday. Rosenior is considered one of the brightest young coaches in Europe.

He leaves Strasbourg seventh in Ligue 1, France's top division, after 17 matches..