After less than four months in charge and after losing five straight Premier League games without scoring for the first time since 1912, Chelsea fired head coach Liam Rosenior.
Rosenior signed a five-and-a-half-year contract to join Stamford Bridge in January, but he has only won 11 of his 23 appearances in all competitions.
Rosenior called the performance “indefensible” and “unacceptable” during Tuesday’s 3-0 loss at Brighton in response to irate jeers from the traveling fans.
Their chances of making it to the Champions League the next season were further damaged as they fell to seventh place in the Premier League standings.
“Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season,” Chelsea commented. “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.”
Until the end of the season, Calum McFarlane will serve as the interim manager.
After former manager Enzo Maresca was fired in January, McFarlane, Rosenior’s assistant, oversaw a 1-1 draw at Manchester City and a loss at Fulham.
Chelsea further stated, “As the club works to bring stability to the head coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”
Rosenior helped the Blues advance to the semi-finals of the FA Cup by leading them to four wins over lower-league teams and winning five of his 13 Premier League outings.
Chelsea will play Leeds at Wembley on Sunday (15:00 BST) in McFarlane’s first game as manager in an attempt to advance to the FA Cup final.
