Wayne Rooney has backed his former assistant Liam Rosenior to thrive if confirmed as the club’s next head coach following the exit of Enzo Maresca.
Rosenior, currently in London for talks with Chelsea’s hierarchy, is expected to leave Ligue 1 side Strasbourg – a club under the same ownership – to take charge at Stamford Bridge. The 41-year-old has emerged as the leading candidate after Maresca’s brief and unsettled tenure ended amid growing friction with the club’s sporting structure.
Rooney, who worked closely with Rosenior at Derby County, insists Chelsea would be appointing a coach who has already served his time. Speaking on the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show, the former Manchester United and England striker praised Rosenior’s attention to detail, preparation and authority.
“Liam was incredibly important for me,” Rooney said. “His coaching, how he approaches the day-to-day work, he’s as good as anyone I’ve worked with. I learned a lot from him.”
Rosenior stepped into management as Derby’s interim boss in 2022 before a two-year spell at Hull City, where he narrowly missed the Championship play-offs. He joined Strasbourg in 2024 and has since earned widespread praise, putting him firmly in the frame for his biggest role yet.
Rooney believes the timing is right – both for Rosenior and for English coaches more generally. “He’s done his apprenticeship and taken his chances,” Rooney added. “If you don’t take this opportunity now, you might never get it. He won’t have doubts that he’s capable.”
Chelsea parted company with Maresca after tensions with the club’s hierarchy escalated, despite recent trophy success. Rooney feels Rosenior’s blend of tactical detail and personal authority could suit the environment at Stamford Bridge.
“He’s also got an edge,” Rooney said. “That’s important. If he goes in there, he won’t disappoint.”
