Rosenior returns to France ahead of Chelseas Champions League clash with PSG
Chelseas revived rivalry against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League this week brings Liam Rosenior back to France shortly after departing Strasbourg for Stamford Bridge just two months ago.
The 41 year old was hired by Chelsea in early January on a six year contract following his impressive 18 month stint at Strasbourg plus the strong ties between the clubs under the BlueCo consortium.
Its difficult to picture the ex Fulham Hull City and Brighton defender joining a top Premier League outfit without those club connections yet Rosenior left a significant mark in Alsace.
He guided Strasbourg to European spots last season and established a base that his replacement Gary ONeil has expanded guiding the side to the French Cup semi finals while positioning them as strong candidates for Conference League success.
Rosenior coached a youthful squad where nearly all players are 23 or younger to adopt an advanced style featuring intense pressing close marking and ease with the ball.
Strasbourg was one of only two sides to defeat PSG in Ligue 1 last term via a 2 1 win in May though that followed Luis Enriques team securing the title.
Rosensors final trip to Parc des Princes in October saw Strasbourg secure a 3 3 stalemate after leading 3 1 at one stage.
We faced the worlds top team without question. They truly elevate this league said the Wandsworth native about PSG.
This matchup evolved into a real rivalry during the previous decade with meetings in the Champions League knockouts over three consecutive seasons from 2014 to 2016.
The initial quarter final went to Chelsea but PSG advanced from the last 16 in the subsequent two years.
Their latest meeting occurred in the Club World Cup final last July where Chelsea triumphed 3 0 over a fatigued PSG in humid conditions at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Now they reunite in the last 16.
These are the matches you dream of the ones that draw you to football Rosenior noted after the draw last month.
Champions teetering on the edge of turmoil?
Rosenior has endured three losses in 15 games managing Chelsea all versus Arsenal.
A 4 1 triumph at Aston Villa last Wednesday placed the Blues fifth in the Premier League and Saturdays extra time win over Wrexham advanced them to the FA Cup quarter finals.
The rotated lineup from that match will likely differ greatly from the one facing Paris as Chelsea aim to eliminate the current European title holders.
PSG seem more exposed than in recent memory following their 3 1 home loss to Monaco on Friday which drew sharp criticism.
The champions no longer react blared the sports daily LEquipe labelling Luis Enriques squad as nearing a crisis.
That may seem overstated but Rosensors earlier praise doesnt align currently with PSG suffering four defeats in 2026 already.
They hold a mere one point lead over Lens in Ligue 1 and in Europe trail teams like Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
Injuries have plagued them throughout after a grueling prior season with Ballon dOr recipient Ousmane Dembele recently returning from a calf problem.
Crucial midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves remain sidelined while Gianluigi Donnarumma lacks a proper successor in goal.
We are undoubtedly struggling now but we must hold onto hope for improvement said Luis Enrique on Friday. Confidence isnt something you pick up at the shops.
Rosenior aims to capitalise on PSGs frailties echoing Roberto Di Matteo and Thomas Tuchel who both steered Chelsea to Champions League triumphs after mid season appointments.