Why Chelsea Should Give Serious Thought to Ending Rosenior’s Tenure Early

According to various reports, Maresca was an intense figure yet held in high regard by the players. Unfortunately, the apparent lack of backing from higher-ups only contributed to creating a toxic work environment.

With Clearlake Capital already ushering out Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard, and Mauricio Pochettino, the appointment of Maresca—who quickly guided the team to a Club World Cup title—seemed to signal a turning point for the club.

Maresca’s tenure spanned 92 matches, boasting an impressive win rate of 59.78%, the highest among the managers appointed by Clearlake, falling just short of Tuchel’s 60%.

To put this into perspective, Pochettino’s coaching achieved a win rate of 50.98% over 51 matches, while Lampard’s brief stint yielded a mere 9.09% from 11 games, and Potter managed a win rate of 38.71% from 31 matches.

It is hard to believe that the circumstances surrounding Maresca’s exit were completely unforeseen by the club’s hierarchy; it appears they lacked a coherent succession plan.

Contract for Rosenior raises eyebrows

Liam Rosenior was ultimately chosen to take the reins, despite his managerial experience consisting largely of an interim spell at Derby County, plus roles at Hull City and Strasbourg, which is also owned by Clearlake and serves as a sort of feeder club for Chelsea.

His playing background includes stints at Bristol City, Fulham, Torquay United, Reading, Ipswich, Hull, and Brighton but it arguably didn’t equip him adequately for the Chelsea job.

Nevertheless, those at the club believed he was the optimal choice, even going so far as to offer him a six-year contract.

However, following just a handful of matches, it has become clear that the role may be too grand for him.

This is particularly concerning as Chelsea risks missing out on European football next season if their poor form continues.

In their last eight matches across all competitions, Chelsea have managed victories only against Wrexham and Port Vale in the FA Cup, with a semi-final against Leeds United on the horizon. Unfortunately, they have suffered defeats in the remaining six fixtures.

League woes: Four matches without a goal

Their elimination from the Champions League saw them bow out on an 8-2 aggregate score against the defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain.

In the Premier League, they have faced losses against Newcastle (1-0), Everton (3-0), Man City (3-0), and Man Utd (1-0). This streak of four consecutive defeats without scoring has left their European ambitions hanging by a thread.

With only five league matches remaining, Chelsea currently sits in sixth position, which could see them qualify for the Europa League.

Undoubtedly, a squad with such considerable talent should aspire to be in the Champions League, yet they find themselves seven points adrift from Liverpool in fifth.

European football in jeopardy

Compounding their predicament, both Brentford and Bournemouth are level on points directly below them and have shown better recent form.

Brighton, whom Chelsea will face on Tuesday night, and Everton are both just a single point behind; Sunderland trails by two points; and Fulham, currently languishing in 12th, is just three points behind.

It may not be an exaggeration to assert that the upcoming five fixtures are among the most critical in Chelsea’s recent history, raising substantial doubts about whether Rosenior is capable of reversing the team’s troubling trajectory.

While his desire to impress and commitment to Chelsea is apparent, he arguably lacks the presence and authority needed to command the respect of this squad.

Rosenior’s credibility in question

In retrospect, his decision to drop World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez for two matches after the midfielder hinted at a potential move to Real Madrid was not the most prudent way to demonstrate his authority.

Of course, one must also acknowledge Clearlake’s role for placing the 41-year-old under such intense scrutiny to begin with.

Even if Chelsea manages to navigate the season successfully to some extent, the perception of Rosenior as somewhat of a laughing stock will undoubtedly hinder any serious consideration of him as a manager.

Chelsea cannot afford for that to become a reality, and it might be in their best interest to relieve him of his duties sooner rather than later.