Liam Rosenior set for awkward Chelsea reunion after calling out star’s behaviour
Future Chelsea forward Emmanuel Emegha was suspended at Strasbourg during new Blues boss Liam Rosenior’s time at the French club, and the two are set to be reunited again at Stamford Bridge
New Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has previously disciplined a Blues player during his spell as Strasbourg boss. The French Ligue 1 outfit suspended on-loan Chelsea forward Emmanuel Emegha in December for breaching ‘the values, expectations and rules’ of the club.
The Dutch striker is set to join Stamford Bridge next summer, having agreed a pre-contract in September 2025. Emegha has a seven-year contract waiting for him when he makes the switch to west London.
And the 22-year-old has already sparked concerns about his discipline before reuniting with Rosenior this summer. Strasbourg announced in early December that they had handed Emegha a one-match ban – a league fixture against Toulouse.
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The club, however, provided no specific reasons for the striker’s punishment. The statement read: “Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace has decided to suspend Emmanuel Emegha for its next Ligue 1 match, this Saturday, December 6, in Toulouse.
“This decision was taken following the player’s recent failure to respect the club’s values, expectations and rules.
“Racing reaffirms its commitment to the essential principles of exemplary conduct and respect for the collective framework.
“Emmanuel remains an important member of our team, who has always given his all for the club on the pitch. He will be reintegrated into the squad after this match. No further comments will be made.”
When the suspensions were announced, Rosenior attributed them to ‘clumsy comments to the press’.
He said: “Emma made some clumsy comments to the press that hurt a lot of people, and he had to be punished for that. He also needs to realise that every action has consequences.”
Following Strasbourg’s announcement of his suspension, Emegha publicly responded, accepting his punishment.
In an Instagram post, he said: “I accept and understand the club’s decision to suspend me for this weekend.
“I’m 22-years-old, I’ve made mistakes and I know I still have a lot to learn. And I have to learn from this. I know I need to do better, and I will do better, on the pitch and off it, to represent the club. That’s important to me.
“I want to make it clear that I never intended to hurt anyone. Since I arrived here at 19, I have always given everything for Strasbourg. I’m proud to play for Racing and I’m proud to wear the captain’s armband.”
Meanwhile, Rosenior will be observing from the stands at Craven Cottage during Chelsea’s visit to Fulham on Wednesday. The 41-year-old is set to conduct his first training session on Thursday and select his first team for the FA Cup match against Charlton on Saturday.
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