Liam Rosenior is, most likely, Chelsea’s new manager, replacing Enzo Maresca. While it’s an intriguing choice, and one that The Blues took quickly, many fans will be left wondering if this isn’t more of a choice that fits a pattern for the London club.
Just what are the tactics of this English manager who guided Racing Club de Strasbourg to modest success in Ligue 1? What will he bring to Chelsea, and does he have what it takes to take over the side mid-season? Here’s what I think.
What about proving to the world that you have more knowledge than Maresca, Rosenior, and Todd Boehly combined? You can do that, and win prizes, in Premier League fantasy football contests in FootballCoin!
Pre-managerial career
Fans thinking that Liam Rosenier has no Premier League experience would be wrong. The London-born manager has just been a relatively low-key figure, that’s all.
Rosenier, in fact, had a nearly two-decade career as a player, usually active in a full-back role. He represented teams like Hull City, Brighton, Fulham, or Ipswich. And, for those keeping track, he was part of no fewer than eight EPL seasons.
Well respected among fellow professionals, Rosenier got the chance to briefly manage Derby County in 2022, followed by a two-year stint at Hull City.
Getting the Strasbourg job surprised some, but Rosenier earned this historic French club seventh place in the league, playing some attractive football along the way. Note that Strasbourg is owned by BlueCo, which is in turn owned by Todd Boehly, the man in charge of a certain London side.
But, just what of that game recommende dhim for the Chelsea job?
Football Philosophy
Youth seems to be an advantage to managers these days. Maybe it’s enthusiasm, maybe it’s having a clear vision, but Rosenior genuinely tries to play exciting football, is willing to adapt, and is, generally, liked by his staff.
But is Rosenior, like Enzo Maresca, a man with a clear football philosophy? And, is that philosophy inspired by Guardialisimo, as most modern managers?
Not exactly! Rosenior prefers that his players control the flow of the game and boss possession. Ideally, the ball is played out by the central defenders, and through an elaborate set of passes, it comes into the path of the attacker. But what if that’s not possible because of personnel or the opposition? Rosenior is willing to change.
In that respect, Rosenior resembles Graham Potter or Thomas Tuchel. He is unafraid to change tactics on very short notice.
His preferred formation is the 3-4-2-1. However, when results nosedived this Winter at Strasbourg, the manager implemented a 4-2-3-1 formation, and variations on it.
Strasbourg in Defence
In a defensive respect, as well, Rosenior has been courageous. Strasbourg likes to press high, aggressively, even against opposition like Marseille or PSG. Perhaps, it’s been this risky approach that has led to a decrease in results in recent weeks.
Typically, the team will move to a 3-4-3 when defending. Forwards will look to force an error from teams trying to play out from the back. Midfielders will try to block off the center of the pitch, and, out of possession, wing-backs will slightly tuck in. Three central defenders are, generally, left to sweep up through balls.
Build-up Style
Strasbourg finished last season in seventh place. That’s where the team sits right now, as well. Those are good results. However, it should be noted that the team has also been lucky. Last season, for example, the team has well exceeded its xG, scoring 56 times at an xG of 49. This year, some of that luck evaporated, I suppose.
However, one consistent aspect has been the success of Strasbourg’s short passing game. Over the past 18 months, few teams have been more consistent in this regard.
When building up, Strasbourg’s players will create a 3-2-5 shape. Wing-backs will advance to create width. The team will use a box midfield. Defender Guela Doue and playmaker VBalentin Barco are particularly important for this approach.
Strasbourg in Attack
Last season, Rosenior managed to get the best out of Dutch striker Emanuel Emegha. This season, it’s the Argentine striker, Joaquin Panichelli, who is overperforming.
How exactly does Strasbourg score goals? To his credit, Rosenior instructs players to play through the press, to cleverly utilize space, and to move the ball through short, fast passes. In this approach, the wide players are vital.
The goals are usually scored through crosses from the wings, or a through pass.
What Should Chelsea Fans Expect from Rosenior?
Frankly, Liam Rosenior has never had the opportunity to work with players of this caliber. This could mean that his daring approach to pressing and passing from the back can be better implemented. It can also mean that he inherits a squad of star players not very interested in Chelsea’s evolution.
Rosenior has been called in on short notice, sure. But he has potential and has proven that he deserves, at least, one shot at the top. It’ll be results, however, that will help keep him there.
