Chelsea’s hunt to find a permanent replacement for Enzo Maresca is seemingly about to come to an end.
Under 21s manager Calum McFarlane led the Blues in his absence against Manchester City, and is expected to be in charge again to face Fulham.
However, Liam Rosenior has been the favourite from the start to replace Maresca, and an announcement was expected over the weekend to confirm his status.
Liam Rosenior confirms he will become Chelsea manager
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Positive talks between both parties followed on Monday, with a press conference called at Strasbourg to discuss his future.
Liam Rosenior confirms Chelsea move
Here, Rosenior admitted that he had verbally agreed to take the Chelsea job, with it expected to be confirmed in the coming hours.
However, he also stated, as per journalist Peter Rutzler that the timing of the move was ‘not perfect’, and he had mixed emotions about leaving the Ligue 1 side.
He said: “I was given permission to speak to one of the biggest clubs in the world. It was an honour to be associated with a club like that, and now, it looks like I will be the next manager of that football club.
“It’s an unbelievable opportunity and unbelievable club, who are Club World Cup champions. Incredible squad and incredible fanbase. It means I can go home and I can see my kids. I’ve missed them.
“The timing is not perfect. I travelled yesterday with Marc [Keller] and David [Weir], not just for conversations with a massive club, but also to help this club move forward and be successful. I know people will say it’s bad timing.
“I haven’t signed yet. I have verbally agreed with Chelsea. Everything has been agreed and will probably go through in the next few hours. I want to make this clear. It’s why I’m here [for this press conference] as I care about this club.
“Mixed emotions. So excited about the future, I can’t lie.”
Rosenior is expected to be in charge when the Blues face Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup on Saturday. He has already met with the playing squad.
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