Football
Chelsea-linked Liam Rosenior has already named club he supports and job he wants
Liam Rosenior has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, with the Strasbourg head coach already having spoken openly in the past about his long-term managerial ambitions.
Maresca officially departed Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day, with Chelsea confirming that the club and the Italian coach had gone their separate ways following a mutual decision.
The 45-year-old exits after overseeing 92 matches in charge, recording a win rate just shy of 60 per cent.
In its official communication, Chelsea acknowledged Maresca’s achievements, noting that he guided the team to silverware in both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The club described those successes as a meaningful part of its recent history and expressed appreciation for his efforts during his time in west London. However, with important targets still in sight across multiple competitions, including qualification for the Champions League, both parties felt that a managerial change offered the best opportunity to revive the season and push the team forward.
Attention quickly turned to Rosenior, who currently manages Strasbourg, a club that falls under the ownership umbrella of Chelsea’s parent company, BlueCo. That shared ownership structure could make negotiations relatively straightforward, even though the English coach remains under contract in France until 2028.
At 41, Rosenior has steadily built a reputation as one of the more progressive young coaches in Europe, and a return to English football has long been part of his aspirations.
Earlier this year, Rosenior spoke candidly about his future goals, explaining that while he does not have a fixed destination or timeline in mind, managing again in the Premier League is something he would relish when the opportunity arises.
He has also expressed a deep desire to one day take charge of the England national team, describing it as a dream rather than a prediction. At the same time, he has consistently stressed the importance of remaining fully committed to his current role, making it clear that progress toward those ambitions depends on delivering results with the players and club he is working with now.
Rosenior has also shown an appreciation for footballing tradition and history, previously speaking about the emotional impact of leading a historic club and how walking into iconic stadiums serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with management at the highest level.
He has described such opportunities as privileges that reinforce his motivation to succeed as a coach.
His management journey began shortly after his playing career ended at Brighton in 2018, where he transitioned into coaching the club’s under-23 side. In 2019, he joined Derby County as a first-team coach and later became assistant manager when Wayne Rooney took charge in 2021.
Following Rooney’s exit in 2022, Rosenior briefly stepped in as interim boss, gaining valuable experience in a challenging environment.
His first permanent managerial appointment came at Hull City in November 2022, where he made an immediate impact.
Despite guiding the Tigers to a seventh-place finish in the Championship during the 2023/24 season, a significant improvement on the club’s 19th-place finish the year before his arrival, he was unexpectedly dismissed at the end of the campaign. Since then, his work at Strasbourg has only strengthened his standing, making him a prominent contender as Chelsea considers their next move in the dugout.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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