Liam Rosenior has confirmed he expects to become the next Chelsea manager, addressing the media at an emotional farewell press conference.
Rosenior says he has had interest from several football clubs, including Champions League sides, in recent months, but a move to Chelsea is "an opportunity I cannot turn down."
Rosenior, speaking at a Strasbourg press conference, confirmed his imminent move to Stamford Bridge by saying: "I was given permission to speak to one of the biggest sporting clubs in the world.
"It looks like I am going to be the next manager of that football club [Chelsea]."
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Rosenior also confirmed he will be bringing his assistants, Kalifa Cisse and Justin Walker with him to Chelsea, alongside head of analysis Ben Warner.
Chelsea parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca last week after 18 months due to a breakdown in relations, poor results - one win in their last seven Premier League games- and his communications with other clubs.
The formal announcement from Chelsea regarding Rosenior is expected in the next few hours.
The 41-year-old's first game as boss is likely to come on Saturday at Charlton in the FA Cup.
Liam Rosenior has confirmed he expects to become the next Chelsea
|GETTY
Rosenior added: "I haven't signed yet, I have agreed verbally with Chelsea.
"It's really important, this is different to anything anyone has ever done - nobody has made a statement before they have signed a contract.
"Everything is agreed and it will probably go through in the next few hours.
"I'm here because I care about this club and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on."
Liam Rosenior was the frontrunner for the job since Maresca's departure
| GETTYSpeaking on his departure, he added: 'Mixed emotions. Firstly, so excited about the future, I cannot lie, my whole life I've worked to be a coach.
"To be presented this opportunity to manage a world class football club is something I've always dreamed of.
"I'm emotional now, this is the last day I will wake up as Strasbourg manager. This is football, you create connections with people.
"There's many memories and good people I'm moving away from. I'm excited but also really appreciative of everything that's happened here."
Enzo Maresca was sacked on New Year's Day | REUTERSCurrent caretaker manager Calum MacFarlane, who scraped a draw to Manchester City in his first game in charge, is expected to take charge of the club's west London derby against Fulham on Wednesday.
Rosenior joins the Blues with just three years of managerial experience, having spent a couple of seasons at Hull City before moving to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg in 2024.
The Englishman will become the latest in a growing line of personnel to have moved from Chelsea to Strasbourg and vice versa in recent years, with the clubs sharing the same ownership.
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