Strasbourg Officially Appoint Former Liverpool Coach as New Head Coach

Racing Strasbourg have officially appointed Gary O'Neil, a former Liverpool coach, as their new head coach, replacing Liam Rosenior who has moved to Chelsea.[1][3][6]

The Ligue 1 club, owned by the BlueCo consortium that also controls Chelsea, confirmed the 42-year-old Englishman's arrival following Rosenior's departure. Strasbourg sit seventh in Ligue 1 with 24 points, despite a recent run of five games without a win, and top their Conference League group with 16 points from 18.[1][6]

O'Neil, out of work since his sacking by Wolverhampton Wanderers in December 2024 after a poor start left them in the relegation zone, will take charge for Saturday's Coupe de France tie against Avranches. His career includes stints at Bournemouth—where he avoided relegation in 2022-23 before being replaced—and Wolves, where he guided them to 14th in his first Premier League season. He joined Liverpool's backroom staff in 2020 as assistant coach for the Under-23s after retiring as a player.[1][2][6]

In a statement, O'Neil expressed enthusiasm: "I am proud to join this incredible club and I can't wait to get started. Racing has a unique history, extraordinary passion... My priority is to work hard with the team and give my all for the club's success."[6]

Rosenior's exit stems from Chelsea's need for a new head coach after Enzo Maresca's departure on New Year's Day due to poor form and a fallout with the hierarchy. The 41-year-old, who had Strasbourg in European places, signed a six-and-a-half-year deal until 2032 at Stamford Bridge, citing the opportunity's unmissable nature despite mixed emotions.[3][4][5]

Strasbourg president Marc Keller and sporting director David Weir oversaw the swift replacement process amid talks with O'Neil, marking his first role outside England.[1][2] (Word count: 298)