Top News

Liam Rosenior is nearing a return to the touchline as he prepares to take charge of Ligue 1 club Paris FC. The ex-Chelsea head coach has been without a managerial post since his short and challenging spell at Stamford Bridge ended earlier this year.

Rosenior is set for a comeback in French football with Paris FC, although the official announcement of his appointment has been slightly postponed. Initially planned for this Wednesday, reports from L'Équipe now indicate that his unveiling will take place on July 9.

The English tactician is not new to the French football scene, having previously worked with Strasbourg before moving to the Premier League. He is expected to replace Antoine Kombouare at the Stade Jean-Bouin, as the Parisian side aims to shift direction after a steady but unspectacular season in the top division.

Kombouare, who assumed control on 22 February this year, is set to leave despite guiding the team to an 11th-place finish. The former Paris Saint-Germain and Nantes boss successfully steered the side clear of relegation danger, ending 12 points above the play-off zone. However, tensions have reportedly arisen between him and the club’s management.

Although the veteran manager’s contract runs until 2027, discussions over an extension and salary increase have reportedly reached an impasse. Dissatisfaction within the club’s ownership has paved the way for Rosenior’s appointment, as they look to strengthen their position in Ligue 1 and aim higher next season.

The delay in Rosenior’s official introduction appears tied to the logistical aspects of his onboarding. The Wandsworth-born coach is believed to have requested a significant restructuring of the club’s backroom staff, seeking to bring in six to eight personnel to align with his strategic vision.

To accommodate these preparations, Paris FC has postponed the start of their pre-season training to July 9. The additional time will allow the Arnault family, the club’s key shareholders, to finalise the financial and operational plans required to fulfil Rosenior’s ambitious demands.

Rosenior heads to the French capital determined to restore his managerial reputation after a difficult period at Chelsea. His tenure at Stamford Bridge lasted just 106 days before his dismissal on 22 April, with the Blues sitting seventh in the Premier League table. His exit followed a disastrous spell of five consecutive league defeats without a goal, marking Chelsea’s longest run of winless and goalless games in the league since 1912.