Chelsea sack Liam Rosenior and confirm new interim manager

Chelsea have sacked Liam Rosenior and have confirmed Calum McFarlane has returned as interim manager for the remainder of the season.

Rosenior has been dismissed less than 24 hours after Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat away to Brighton on Tuesday night.

The defeat at the Amex Stadium means Chelsea have now lost five league games without scoring a goal for the first time since 1912.

Chelsea currently sit seventh in the Premier League and are seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, who occupy the final Champions League qualification place.

McFarlane, who took temporary charge after Enzo Maresca’s exit in January for Chelsea’s 1-1 draw away to Manchester City and the 2-1 defeat at Fulham, will be in the dugout for the team’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley this Sunday.

A statement from Chelsea on Wednesday afternoon read: ‘Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior.

‘On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club.

‘Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.

‘This has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season. Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.

‘Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing Club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup.

‘As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.’

In what turned out to be his final press conference as Chelsea manager, Rosenior took aim at his players for their woeful performance against Brighton in which they failed to register a shot on target.

‘In the basics, in the pride you should have in wearing the shirt, that was unacceptable,’ Rosenior said.

‘I’ve defended the players, and I am accountable. I’ve always said that. But after tonight, I think the players as well need to have a look in the mirror for what they put in. We lost 80 per cent of duels. We didn’t win a header. Two of the goals come when we could head the ball. At any level, if you make those errors and lack of engagement, you’re not going to win games of football.

‘I saw commitment against Manchester United three days ago. We lost the game, but the performance was very, very good. Today was the complete opposite in every aspect. That’s what disappointed me the most.’

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