FIFA Club World Cup champions Chelsea have dismissed their head coach Liam Rosenior following a run of five consecutive defeats. The 41-year-old had only been appointed as the permanent replacement for Enzo Maresca in January of this year.

Rosenior, who began his managerial career at Derby County and Hull City in England, joined the west London football club after two years in the French top flight with Strasbourg, where he won 51 out of 63 matches. However, at Chelsea, he managed only 11 wins in 23 games in charge.

The recent losing streak also marked the first time since 1912 that the club had lost that many games in a row without scoring. Tuesday's 3-0 defeat at Brighton saw the side slip to seventh in the league, dealing a severe blow to their chances of qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League.

Chelsea said in a statement: "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."

Rosenior described the performance of his players in his final game in charge as "indefensible" and "unacceptable." An interim coach is expected to be appointed as the club seeks to regroup for the remainder of the season, with further managerial changes likely on the horizon amid ongoing pressure to improve results.

Source: www.aljazeera.com