Newcastle United rivals Chelsea have sacked head coach Liam Rosenior after just four months in charge at Stamford Bridge.
The former Hull City and Strasbourg boss took over the hot seat from Enzo Maresca after the Italian felt frustrated with Chelsea chiefs and a lack of say in the team’s direction.
Rosenior had an unbelievable start to life in the new role with a six-game unbeaten run in the league.
However, the wheels had come off with Chelsea losing their last five consecutive Premier League matches without scoring. It’s the first time that has happened since 1912. The Blues were thrashed 3-0 by Brighton on Tuesday night.
Rosenior had described that problem as ‘indefensible’ and ‘unacceptable’. The manager was subject to frustrated chants from travelling fans at the AMEX Stadium.
Chelsea sack Liam Rosenior
Chelsea now sit seventh in the Premier League with hopes of Champions League qualification fast slipping away.
A club statement read: “Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior.
“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.”
Callum McFarlane will take over as interim manager for the second time this season. The coach oversaw a 1-1 draw with Manchester City and a defeat at Fulham following the departure of Maresca.
What does this mean for Newcastle United?
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe still harbours hopes of European qualification this season. A Champions League spot may be unrealistic, but getting in the Europa League or Europa Conference League could still happen.
That’s largely thanks to the Premier League being awarded an extra Champions League spot, with the threshold to get into Europe lowering. A 7th-place finish will be enough to get into the Conference League.
Chelsea are just six points ahead of the 14th-placed Magpies in 6th. Now plunged into managerial disarray, the Blues could continue to freefall down the league and give Newcastle the chance to leapfrog them – although the departure of Rosenior could also mean an uptick in results.
The decision at Stamford Bridge also means another high profile Premier League club are in the market for a new manager. Chelsea confirmed that a ‘process of self-reflection’ would now begin before another long-term appointment.
Newcastle, of course, still have Howe at the helm. However, there is pressure on the Englishman with talk of a potential sacking.
AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been the bookmakers’ favourite to take over at St James’ Park should that happen. The Spanish boss confirmed that he would leave the Vitality Stadium this summer in a statement last week.
Iraola is also now the favourite to become the next permanent Chelsea manager. Rosenior’s departure could mean a fight for Iraola’s signature, should Newcastle want the 43-year-old in place of Howe.
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