No firm links in reports tying Rosenior to Chelsea role

Liam Rosenior, coach of Strasbourg, stated on Saturday that reports connecting him to the Chelsea position lacked any solid foundation, following his sides 1-1 draw against Nice in Ligue 1.

Enzo Maresca departed from his managerial position at the Blues on Thursday, with the English manager Rosenior, who led the Alsace based team to a seventh place finish in the previous campaign, emerging as a potential successor at Stamford Bridge.

This result positions Strasbourg, under the ownership of Chelseas parent company BlueCo, in seventh spot in the standings, still searching for a league victory since November 9.

"My priority is to concentrate on Strasbourg right now and set aside other matters," Rosenior shared with journalists.

"This is the only update I can offer at this time.

"We cannot predict tomorrows developments, yet currently, no firm decisions exist," added the 41 year old ex England under 21 defender.

Along the French Riviera, Argentine striker Joaquin Panichelli gave Roseniors away team the lead via a penalty kick in the 13th minute.

Fresh arrival Elye Wahi secured a share of the spoils for the home side just over 10 minutes into the second half, after arriving on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt that same Thursday, marking Claude Puels debut in his return to the club.

The French manager Puel stepped in for Franck Haise on the Mediterranean coast on Monday, as Nice battled near the drop zone.

The 64 year old previously managed Nice from 2012 to 2016, followed by a two year tenure at Leicester.

Puel inherited a team facing challenges both on the pitch and beyond, with their sole victory since late October occurring in December during a French Cup triumph against second division Saint Etienne.

In November, the squad, coaching staff, and officials clashed with around 200 supporters outside the training facility, voicing frustration towards the players upon their return from a 3-1 loss to Lorient.

At the Allianz Riviera, Puel introduced the 23 year old Wahi during the interval, and shortly after, in the 54th minute, he equalised the scoreline.

The ex Marseille attacker Wahi had three opportunities to secure a win, but his most promising effort was denied by Strasbourg custodian Mike Penders.

Earlier in the day, Czech forward Pavel Sulc netted a brace to help Lyon overcome Monaco 3-1, keeping their European qualification aspirations alive for the upcoming season.

Subsequently, Rennes closed the gap to two points behind Lille for the last Champions League playoff position, defeating the hosts 2-0 with goals in the second period from full back Przemyslaw Frankowski and wide player Quentin Merlin.