Chelsea have decided to part ways with Liam Rosenior, who had been in charge for just 107 days. The decision comes after a string of disappointing results, including seven defeats in the last eight matches. Calum McFarlane will take over as interim head coach until the end of the season. Rosenior had been appointed as a surprise replacement for Enzo Maresca in January, but his reign has been cut short due to the team's poor form.
Chelsea have not spoken to any candidates for the permanent position yet and no shortlist has been drawn up. The club will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment. Rosenior's departure comes after a 3-0 loss at Brighton, which marked a fifth consecutive Premier League defeat and made 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.
The team is currently seventh in the Premier League, seven points off fifth-placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Rosenior leaves Chelsea after a tumultuous period, which included Carabao Cup semi-final defeats to Arsenal and an 8-2 aggregate thrashing in the Champions League last-16 by Paris St-Germain. However, he did secure FA Cup wins over Championship sides Charlton, Hull City, and Wrexham, as well as a 7-0 drubbing of League One bottom club Port Vale, setting up Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Leeds. A Chelsea statement expressed gratitude to Rosenior and his staff for their efforts, but acknowledged that recent results and performances had fallen below the necessary standards.
The club will now focus on achieving European qualification and progressing in the FA Cup under McFarlane's interim leadership.