In this file photo, Strasbourg's head coach Liam Rosenior gestures from the touchline during the Europa Conference League opening phase soccer match between Strasbourg and Crystal Palace in Strasbourg, France. (AP )

LONDON, Jan 6 (AP): Chelsea confirmed the hiring of new manager Liam Rosenior on a six-year contract after he left French club Strasbourg on Tuesday.

The Premier League club said Rosenior signed through 2032.

Rosenior has been praised for turning Strasbourg, which is part of the same ownership group as Chelsea, into a force in Ligue 1 after a seventh-place finish last season.

"Liam has shown that he can build teams with a clear way of playing while setting the highest standards with players on and off the pitch. While there will continue to be a focus on player development, the club’s expectations and ambitions remain high,” Chelsea said.

Rosenior’s previous jobs include a stint as assistant coach at Derby to Wayne Rooney, who praised his "incredible” work ethic and attention to detail.

The 41-year-old Rosenior has never managed a Premier League club. Chelsea last week parted company with Enzo Maresca, who spent 18 months in charge.

Moving to Chelsea will bring much more visibility and pressure for Rosenior.

The fifth permanent coach since BlueCo ownership took over in 2022, Rosenior will inherit a team that is capable of high-level success but has lacked consistency. Chelsea is fifth in the league with a 17-point gap to leader Arsenal.

"I am excited to work with this extremely talented group of players and staff, to build strong connections on and off the pitch, and to create an environment where everyone feels united and driven by the same goal,” he said.

Getting the Chelsea job is a rare top-level opportunity for a Black British coach in the Premier League.

"This opportunity for me is something I can’t turn down at this moment in my life,” Rosenior told a press conference in Strasbourg, adding that the perspective of being reunited with his family added an extra incentive.