Chelsea sack coach Liam Rosenior after EPL defeats

Premier League side Chelsea have parted company with Liam Rosenior – just 107 days after he took charge.

Chelsea announced this via a statement on Wednesday.

The club noted that Calum McFarlane will lead the team into Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final with Leeds at Wembley and remain as interim head coach until the end of the season.

McFarlane took on the same role earlier this season for two games when Enzo Maresca left.

The statement read: “Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior.

“On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the club.

“Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.

“This has not been a decision the club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season. Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.

“Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup.

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“As the club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”

Rosenior had been appointed as a surprise replacement for Maresca in January, but seven defeats in the last eight matches have led to his reign being cut short after just four months.

Rosenior signed a six-year contract with Chelsea when he made the move from Strasbourg, who are owned by Chelsea’s parent company BlueCo. But there were chants from Chelsea fans for him to be dismissed during and after the 3-0 loss at Brighton on Tuesday night.

It was a fifth Premier League defeat in a row and makes qualification for next season’s Champions League unlikely.

Chelsea failed to score in each of those five league defeats – their worst goalless losing league run since 1912.

Rosenior leaves Chelsea seventh in the Premier League, seven points off fifth-placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

Maresca left Chelsea in fifth, but they had slipped to eighth by the time Rosenior took over from interim boss McFarlane.