Chelsea FC have sacked head coach Liam Rosenior after a poor run of results, ending his tenure just 107 days after his appointment.
The decision was confirmed on Wednesday following a 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, which extended Chelsea’s losing streak to five consecutive Premier League matches without scoring.
Rosenior, who joined the club in January on a six-year contract, leaves after overseeing a sharp decline in form.
The team lost seven of their last eight matches across all competitions, prompting action from the club’s hierarchy led by BlueCo.
Chelsea confirmed that Calum McFarlane will take charge as interim head coach until the end of the season.
He is set to lead the side in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley.
Rosenior’s exit comes despite a relatively balanced overall record of 10 wins, 10 defeats and three draws in 23 matches. However, the recent downturn proved decisive.
The club currently sit seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool FC, who also have a game in hand. Their position leaves qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League unlikely.
Chelsea’s five straight league defeats without scoring mark their worst such run since 1912, underlining the scale of the collapse.
Rosenior had replaced Enzo Maresca in January, with McFarlane previously serving as interim during the transition earlier in the season.
In a brief statement, the club thanked Rosenior for his efforts but stressed that the decision was taken with the remainder of the season still at stake.
The club said: “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.”
