Liam Rosenior sacked: Chelsea part ways with second coach of season just days before FA Cup semi-final clash with Leeds United
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By Ben Grounds
Updated 22/04/2026 at 17:57 GMT+1
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Liam Rosenior has left his position as Chelsea head coach after a short period in charge at Stamford Bridge following a run of poor results.
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Rosenior, who had only been appointed as Enzo Maresca's successor in January, will be succeeded in the role by Calum McFarlane, who takes charge of the Premier League club until the end of the season.
The 41-year-old signed a five-and-a-half-year deal at Stamford Bridge, but departs after a poor run of results.
On Tuesday night, Rosenior saw his Chelsea team lose 3-0 at Brighton & Hove Albion, the fifth consecutive league defeat without a single goal scored.
Chelsea have now moved to make a change after a string of poor performances, which Rosenior termed ”unacceptable” in his post-match interview at the Amex Stadium.
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'Unacceptable' - Rosenior laments Chelsea's wretched form after 3-0 defeat at Brighton
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A statement on the club’s official website read: "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.
"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.”
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Rosenior was appointed in January this year after Maresca left the club after weeks of tension between the Italian and the club’s owners.
The Englishman had previously been part of Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg in Ligue 1, where he had been head coach since 2024 before leaving at the start of 2026.
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Rosenior guided Chelsea to the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, but they were comprehensively beaten over two legs. They lost 5-2 in the first leg, before a 3-0 defeat completed an 8-2 defeat on aggregate.
The club was recently rocked by the internal suspension of midfielder Enzo Fernandez for two matches.
Fernandez is often captain on the pitch when Reece James does not feature, but gave an interview while on international duty, when he appeared to hint he would welcome a summer transfer to Real Madrid.
Chelsea next face Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
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