'Rosenior wanted to look people in the eye'

It is highly unusual for any outgoing manager to explain their departure in a news conference, but that's exactly what Liam Rosenior did on Tuesday morning.

After flying into London to agree verbally with Chelsea to become their next manager, Rosenior returned to France and Strasbourg to say goodbye.

And in a remarkable news conference at Stade de la Meinau, the stadium he has called home for 18 months, the former Derby County and Hull City boss looked emotional and allowed local reporters to ask difficult questions.

Rosenior spoke warmly about his favourite moments and said he wanted to look people in the eye and explain his reasons for leaving the club mid-season to join Chelsea.

What complicates matters is that both clubs are owned by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's holding company - BlueCo - which could become a flashpoint if this does not go well.

But Rosenior appeared simply motivated by doing the right thing and explaining himself to supporters after a role that has propelled him to what he called "one of the biggest clubs in the world".