Liam Rosenior is set to earn an incredible figure after Chelsea decided to sack him following a dire run of form.
The Blues lost a fifth Premier League game in a row on Tuesday night, with Rosenior's former side Brighton succumbing the Blues to a 3-0 loss at the AMEX Stadium after goals from Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck.
Chelsea failed to have a single shot on target and have now gone five Premier League matches without scoring, with Rosenior calling the latest showing “unacceptable” and “indefensible”.
Seven points off the Champions League places, the former Strasbourg boss was sacked prior to this weekend's FA Cup semi-final clash with Leeds United.
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Instead, Calum McFarlane will return as interim head coach until the end of the season.
"Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior," a statement read.
"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.
"Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing Club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup.
"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."
Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Andoni Iraola, who will be free agent in the summer after announcing his departure from Bournemouth.
Chelsea may be forced to pay huge fee to Rosenior
Including interims, Chelsea are on to yet another manager under BlueCo since the takeover in 2022 and have forked out huge fees in compensation after sackings.
But Rosenior could be on course a record payout from Chelsea's owners.
According to the Daily Mirror, Chelsea may have to pay Rosenior as much as £24 million in compensation. That's because he signed a six-and-a-half year contract when he took the reins at Stamford Bridge in January, with the deal said to be worth £4million per season.
It is noted that there could be clauses in the contract which lower the amount of compensation due.
But the aforementioned full figure is higher than the £23million Chelsea paid to Jose Mourinho and his staff when they relieved him of his duties in 2007.
The coach who had the highest compensation package was Antonio Conte, who, together with his staff, got a whopping £26million when he was sacked in 2018.
In total, Chelsea have reportedly paid out £160 million in compensation in the Premier League era.
Topics: Chelsea, Premier League
Josh Lawless