Calum McFarlane will take over as interim manager of Chelsea until the end of the season. This follows the sacking of Liam Rosenior.
Rosenior’s Dismissal After Short Tenure
Liam Rosenior has been sacked as Chelsea head coach after less than four months in charge. The decision comes on the back of losing five consecutive Premier League matches without scoring. This is the first time this has happened to Chelsea since 1912.
Rosenior arrived at Stamford Bridge in January, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal. He won just 11 of his 23 games across all competitions.
After Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton, Rosenior described the performance as “indefensible” and “unacceptable”. He faced angry chants from travelling supporters.
Chelsea have slipped to seventh in the Premier League standings. This is a further blow to their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
“Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season,” Chelsea said.
“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.”
McFarlane’s Interim Role
Calum McFarlane, who was Rosenior’s assistant, will now take charge. He will manage the team on an interim basis until the end of the season.
McFarlane previously oversaw a 1-1 draw against Manchester City and a defeat at Fulham in January. This was after previous boss Enzo Maresca was sacked.
Chelsea said: “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.”
Search for a Permanent Replacement
Sources have indicated that several managers are under consideration to replace Rosenior. These include Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, Fulham head coach Marco Silva and former Dortmund boss Edin Terzic.
Iraola announced last week that he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season. Silva’s contract at Fulham is due to expire in July. Terzic was under consideration by Tottenham to replace Thomas Frank when the Dane was sacked earlier this season.
McFarlane’s Immediate Challenge
McFarlane’s first game in charge comes on Sunday. Chelsea face Leeds at Wembley for a place in the FA Cup final (15:00 BST).
Rosenior led the Blues to four victories in the FA Cup. All were against lower-league opposition, and they reached the semi-finals.