‘I do hope this opens doors’ - Ex-Chelsea star claims Rosenior's appointment should pave way for other black managers

Rosenior was recently announced as the new manager of the Chelsea football team following the sacking of Enzo Maresca.

Maresca was let go following a fallout with the club hierarchy after a series of poor results in December 2025.

The Italian manager's authority to manage the team was reportedly limited, as many of his requests were not met.

Following the appointment of Rosenior, Kalou was asked what he makes of a black man being Chelsea’s manager.

He said, as reported by duelbits.com, “It’s a significant moment. A big‑six club hasn’t appointed a black manager in decades, Ruud Gullit was the last at Chelsea almost thirty years ago. 

“While it really shouldn’t make any difference, I do hope this opens doors for more black coaches, because the knowledge, the tactical intelligence, the leadership, it’s all there. They just need the opportunities.”

The last Black manager to coach a top-six team was Gullit, a former Chelsea player who later became the club's coach.

Meanwhile, the Blues' poor form continued on Wednesday, following their 2-1 loss to Fulham, despite the arrival of the new manager.Although he is yet to take over the team, he will begin his reign as the new Chelsea manager when the Blues face Charlton in the FA Cup on Saturday.