OFFICIAL: Rosenior takes over Chelsea's bench

What was announced a couple of days ago received its confirmation today - Liam Rosenior is the new Chelsea manager. The former head coach of French Strasbourg has signed a six-year contract with the Blues, indicating that the London side's management has confidence in the Englishman.

In his first statement as Chelsea boss on the club's official website, Rosenior expressed pride and gratitude, highlighting the values he'll stand for and the goals he'll fight for - winning trophies, first and foremost.

"I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of Chelsea Football Club. This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies."

"My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play as we continue winning trophies. To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job."

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"I believe deeply in teamwork, unity, togetherness and working for one another, and those values will be at the heart of everything we do. They will be the foundation of our success."

"I want our fans to be proud of who we are and what we represent in every single game that we play. They are the soul of this enormous, historic and huge football club."

"I cannot wait to meet you all. I cannot wait to get started."

The situation Rosenior encounters at Stamford Bridge after Enzo Maresca's departure is far from ideal, but also not so tragic.

Chelsea sit in the fifth spot in the Premier League - three points away from the fourth position - are 13th in the Champions League with two games to go, and have reached the EFL Cup semi-finals.

In the end, the 1-1 draw the Londoners salvaged against Manchester City at Etihad two days ago, with an interim manager, Calum McFarlane, showed that this team had quality, identity, and willpower to achieve something big. The Blues only need time.

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During his four-year coaching career, Rosenior led Derby County (as an interim manager), Hull City, and Strasbourg, with which he qualified for the UEFA Conference League last season.

As for his playing days, the strategist spent them at Bristol City, Fulham, Torquay, Reading, Ipswich Town, Hull City, and Brighton.

Chelsea face the Cottagers tomorrow on the road in the EPL, but the new coach isn't expected to be in the dugout. According to sources from England, he'll probably debut in the FA Cup clash against Charlton Athletic on January 10.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 21

Tuesday

23.00: (3.25) West Ham (3.40) Nott.Forest (2.35)

Wednesday

22.30: (2.15) Bournemouth (3.50) Tottenham (3.60)

22.30: (1.85) Brentford (3.80) Sunderland (4.40)

22.30: (3.15) Crystal Palace (3.45) Aston Villa (2.40)

22.30: (1.78) Everton (3.50) Wolverhampton (4.80)

22.30: (3.60) Fulham (3.50) Chelsea (2.15)

22.30: (1.42) Man.City (5.00) Brighton (8.00)

23.15: (4.80) Burnley (4.00) Man.Utd. (1.75)

23.15: (1.70) Newcastle (3.60) Leeds (5.30)

Thursday

23.00: (1.63) Arsenal (4.20) Liverpool (5.30)

***odds are subject to change***