Chelsea could get their manager soon if Strasbourg are successful in bringing one of two named targets in to replace Liam Rosenior.
It’s only a matter of time before Enzo Maresca’s replacement arrives.
David Ornstein says Rosenior is likely to be named as the new head coach at Stamford Bridge.
The Strasbourg manager is seen as the ideal candidate to continue BlueCo’s vision, but the obstacle has always been the Ligue 1 side finding a worthy replacement.
Liam Rosenior set to be announced as Enzo Maresca replacement ⌛
Enzo Maresca at Chelsea:
91 games
55 wins
16 draws
20 losses
Is this a step backwards, or another exciting young manager who will hit the ground running at Chelsea?
Well, they have two young coaches in mind, one of whom Chelsea fans should be familiar with.
Strasbourg eyeing Eric Ramsay and Will Still to replace Liam Rosenior
Top managers across Europe seem to be trending younger in recent years.
Whether it’s down to new tactical philosophy or more chance of a long tenure, top clubs are often seeking out managers at the early stages of their careers.
The Blues are looking to replace 45-year-old Maresca with 41-year-old Rosenior — Chelsea ruled out a high-profile approach.
Strasbourg are looking to go even younger, with Will Still and Eric Ramsay — both in their early thirties — identified as the two main targets.
As The Telegraph shared on Friday: “The favourite is Eric Ramsay, who is the coach of Minnesota United. The 33-year-old, who speaks French and was the youngest British coach to gain a Uefa Pro-Licence, was assistant at Manchester United before joining the MLS club in February 2024.
“Also under consideration is Will Still, who was sacked by Southampton earlier this season having joined them after enjoying great success in France with Reims and Lens.”
Still’s brief foray in the Championship didn’t go to plan, but he has an impressive track record in Ligue 1. Ramsay is a lesser-known name, but one highly regarded in coaching circles.
Talks will have already begun in Alsace, with the club realising fairly quickly what their owners were planning.
Growing unrest in Strasbourg over Rosenior links
You can understand why there might be some frustration within Chelsea’s sister club.
The owners have been quite obvious in how they view the French outfit, as a stepping stone for players to get up to the required level before making the jump to the Premier League.
Captain Emanuel Emegha caused a stir when his pathway to Chelsea emerged, and they will be no happier about their head coach being poached halfway through the season.
As The Telegraph explain: “Rosenior’s potential departure is likely to trigger a furious reaction in France, with L’Equipe quoting a dressing room source as saying he would be leaving ‘like a thief’.
“Strasbourg are seventh in Ligue 1 and top of the Europa Conference League table – the competition Maresca won last season – and have three Chelsea loanees in their side (goalkeeper Mike Penders, Kendry Páez and Mamadou Sarr, who Chelsea bought from Strasbourg and sent back on loan).
“But there have been protests and accusations from fans that they are being used as a ‘farm club’ [feeder club], which has been strongly denied.”
Chelsea and Strasbourg will be eternally intertwined as long as BlueCo remain in charge, but with every asset the French side lose, strain on the relationship grows.
Chelsea fans plan protest after Enzo Maresca exit 😬
How do you feel about BlueCo after this week's news?
Still, they are accepting the reality and could have a solution found as early as this weekend. That would be the last domino to fall for Rosenior to be revealed as the new Chelsea manager.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
