BREAKING NEWS: Chelsea sack head coach Liam Rosenior, Calum McFarlane appointed until end of season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Chelsea have sacked head coach Liam Rosenior after just three-and-a-half months in charge.

Rosenior was appointed on a five-and-a-half-year contract in January after Enzo Maresca's abrupt departure from Stamford Bridge.

After a promising start under the former Hull City and Strasbourg boss, when the Blues won six out of his first seven matches, their form has collapsed.

Chelsea have lost six of their past seven matches, with the only break in that slump a 7-0 FA Cup win over League One Port Vale.

Tuesday's 3-0 defeat at Brighton was Rosenior's fifth consecutive league defeat and Rosenior lambasted his players in the aftermath. With the club seven points shy of the Champions League places after playing 34 games – one more than fifth-placed Liverpool – and an FA Cup semifinal against Leeds on the horizon, Chelsea's hierarchy have decided to act.

Calum McFarlane, who led the team for two games after Maresca's exit, will take interim charge until the end of the season.

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