Liam Rosenior: ‘Coaching Abroad, Nobody Has Any Preconceived Idea of Who You Are’

Liam Rosenior has made a significant impact since taking over as head coach at Strasbourg, where he aims to challenge Paris Saint-Germain’s unbeaten run in Ligue 1. The former Hull City manager, who became only the second Englishman to coach in France since the 1950s, shares insights about his experience in French football.

Reflecting on his transition, Rosenior said, “What I’ve learned in three months here, I probably wouldn’t have learned in England over five years.” His appointment came shortly after his dismissal from Hull, and he emphasizes that he wasn't focused on being an Englishman abroad but rather on the exciting project ahead. His assistant, Kalifa Cissé, assists with translations during press conferences while Rosenior engages in intensive French lessons.

Strasbourg currently sits in seventh place in Ligue 1, blending local talent with young international players. Although language barriers exist, Rosenior has adapted his coaching style to emphasize body language and shared cultural values with his players. He remarked, “You have to use more energy with your body language,” yet noted the similarity in coaching principles he learned during his time at Derby and Hull.

Arsène Wenger's influence is evident throughout the conversation, reflecting both his ties to the club and his legacy of nurturing young talent. Despite being a relative unknown upon arrival, Rosenior enjoys the freedom of coaching in a different environment, free from preconceived notions.

“I don’t think of coaching as making a name for myself,” he asserts. “It’s about improving the individual to improve the collective and win games.” Strasbourg boasts a squad with a mix of experienced young players, like 20-year-old captain Habib Diarra and summer signing Sebastian Nanasi, who has already made a mark with impressive performances.

Strasbourg's highlight of the season so far was a 1-0 victory over Marseille, marking the first Ligue 1 defeat for manager Roberto De Zerbi. Rosenior emphasizes the team's collective effort rather than personal accolades, stating, “It’s exciting to talk about tactical battles in the press, but the most important thing is the work the players do on the training ground.”

The winning goal against Marseille came from on-loan Chelsea winger Diego Moreira, who exemplifies Rosenior’s strategy of positional flexibility. “I don’t believe in pigeonholing players into positions,” he explains, allowing players to adapt based on the team’s needs. This approach has rejuvenated the squad, with one match featuring all outfield players under 23, making Strasbourg the youngest team in Europe.

Rosenior recognizes that while youth presents challenges, it also provides opportunities for learning and growth. He points to critical matches where lessons were learned, such as their narrow defeats to Lyon and Lille. “If those two matches hadn’t happened, we wouldn’t have had less of a chance of seeing out the Marseille win,” he adds.

As part of a new generation of young coaches in Ligue 1, including compatriot Will Still, Rosenior is keen to learn from his peers while establishing his identity. He admires coaches like De Zerbi, who have significantly influenced the game. “To come up against him is something I won’t forget,” he reflects.

Strasbourg's upcoming match against champions PSG presents a formidable challenge. However, Rosenior is aware of the atmosphere surrounding the club, particularly the protests from fans against BlueCo’s ownership, which began in June 2023. The supporters’ group, UB90, remains concerned about the club’s identity under foreign ownership. Rosenior empathizes with the fans’ apprehension, acknowledging the negative experiences of past ownership.

“It’s understandable that fans who love this club would be wary of outside ownership,” he states, yet he believes that the current investors have a genuine long-term vision for the club. “To compete at this level, you need big investment,” he says, expressing confidence that the ownership aims to build a competitive team capable of European football.

Regarding the challenge of taking on PSG, Rosenior admits that it requires significant resources and time to compete with them effectively. Nevertheless, he hopes a positive result at the Parc des Princes will strengthen his position as a coach and help win over skeptical supporters.

In conclusion, Rosenior's fresh perspective, combined with his commitment to player development and team cohesion, positions him as a promising figure in French football. With an eye on the future, he seeks to foster a winning culture at Strasbourg while navigating the complexities of coaching abroad.