Rooney calls on Chelsea fans to give Rosenior a chance

Wayne Rooney believes Liam Rosenior is worthy of the opportunity to become that of Chelsea next manager, describing him as one of the best coaches he has ever worked with and backing him to succeed if he is appointed at Stamford Bridge.

Rosenior has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Enzo Maresca, with talks between Chelsea and the 41-year-old reportedly at an advanced stage following his arrival in London on Sunday evening.

Rosenior and Rooney worked closely together at Derby County in 2021 and 2022, when Rosenior served as Rooney’s assistant before becoming caretaker manager following the former England striker’s departure.

Since then, Rosenior has been head coach of Hull City and, more recently, Strasbourg, who share ownership with Chelsea.

Speaking on the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney was unwavering in his praise.

“He took a risk, and I hope it pays off because I think Liam is the best coach I’ve ever worked with,” he said. “His details, his way of approaching everyday life, he is as good as anyone I have worked with.”

Rooney, who went on to manage DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle, said Rosenior played an important role in his own development as a manager.

“Liam was so important to me. He was incredible in his coaching abilities. I was more of a manager and looked after the players and everything. So I learned a lot from him from that point of view and I thought he did a great job overall.”

Despite Rosenior’s relative lack of experience at the top level, Rooney said he had “no doubt” about his ability to handle the demands of managing a club of Chelsea’s stature.

He also highlighted Rosenior’s personality as a key asset. “He also has a side that you don’t want to upset either,” Rooney said. “It’s also important. If he goes, he won’t disappoint. He’s been waiting for an opportunity like this.”

Rooney believes the time is right for Rosenior to take such a step, insisting opportunities of this magnitude don’t come along often.

“If you don’t take it now, then you’ll never take it,” he said. “And I think he’s done his apprenticeship, he’s done his job to try to get into this position. So he’ll have no doubt about his ability to do this job.”

He also highlighted the wider importance of the potential appointment, given the lack of English coaches at elite clubs.

“I hope very soon, I hope we hear that he is the manager, because for young English managers I think it is massive,” Rooney said. “We don’t really see English managers at the big clubs, so he would show us the way.”