Rosenior sacked by Chelsea after just three months

Chelsea have sacked Liam Rosenior just three months after installing him as head coach.

Rosenior arrived at Stamford Bridge in January from Strasbourg, the French club also owned by Chelsea’s owners.

He signed a five-and-a-half-year contract but has lost his job after winning just 11 of his 23 matches at the helm.

Fulham boss Marco Silva is among the contenders to replace him.

Chelsea have lost five league matches in a row without scoring for the first time since 1912, and Tuesday’s dismal 3-0 defeat at Brighton meant they dropped to seventh in the Premier League table – a major blow to their chances of securing a Champions League spot for next season.

Rosenior defended the players up to that point but turned on them after the game, stating that their performance was “indefensible” and “unacceptable” as he faced angry chants from the travelling supporters.

There was no way back for the former Fulham defender after that result.

“Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season,” Chelsea said in a statament.

“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.”

Calum McFarlane will take over as interim manager until the end of the season, starting with this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds.

McFarlane, previously the club’s Under-21s boss, took caretaker charge when Enzo Maresca was sacked as manager in January. He was appointed as assistant head coach after Rosenior’s arrival.

Rosenior’s tenure was brief and troubled.

As well as poor results and performances, there were other problems, with vice-captain Enzo Fernandez suggesting he could leave this summer and sign for Real Madrid – comments which led to the midfielder being dropped for two matches.

Rosenior won just five of his 13 league games in charge. Four FA Cup wins were all against lower-division opposition.