Chelsea's hierarchy are holding talks over manager Liam Rosenior's position after the Blues suffered a bruising 3-0 defeat at Brighton on Tuesday, sources have told ESPN. The loss dropped Chelsea to seventh place in the Premier League, leaving them all but certain to miss out on Champions League qualification for next season.

Despite the club previously indicating they wanted to retain Rosenior regardless of whether they qualified for Europe's elite competition, recent results have raised serious concerns among the board. A protest against BlueCo's ownership took place before last weekend's home defeat to Manchester United, while some away fans abused Rosenior during the insipid display at Brighton.

Rosenior joined Chelsea in January, replacing Enzo Maresca, after moving from Strasbourg — the club's partner club — on a 5½-year deal. Players were given Wednesday off, though Rosenior met with club bosses as is standard practice following matches.