Discipline, Consistency & Harmony – Rosenior’s Objectives at Chelsea

Chelsea’s New Era Under Rosenior

Liam Rosenior has taken the helm at Chelsea, filled with hope despite a shaky start marked by a 2-1 defeat to Fulham. The result emphasized the significant challenges he faces as the club drops out of the top five for the first time since August.

During the match, which Rosenior watched from the directors’ box alongside co-owner Behdad Eghbali, Chelsea slipped to eighth place in the league standings. After his predecessor, Enzo Maresca, fell out of favor with the leadership, Rosenior transitioned from his role at Strasbourg, a club also owned by Chelsea’s ownership group.

Fans expressed their dissatisfaction during the match, directing chants at the club’s executives while the team struggled against their local rivals. Chelsea’s recent performance has been concerning, with only one win in their last nine league matches and two in their last eleven across all competitions.

To restore some confidence, Chelsea must strive to achieve at least a top-five finish this season, ensuring a place in the Champions League.

Challenges Rosenior Must Address

Build a Connection With the Fans

Chelsea’s relationship with its supporters appears strained. Shortly after Rosenior’s appointment was made public, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust released a critical survey indicating that over half of respondents doubt the club will find success in the next few years under the current ownership. Many respondents also expressed a lack of confidence in management decisions.

Rosenior’s awareness of this situation was evident in his introductory interview, where he emphasized the word ‘win’ repeatedly—a clear intent to demonstrate that results are essential to mending this tenuous bond.

Moreover, he acknowledged the club’s rich history during his playing days, recognizing the status Chelsea once held under former owner Roman Abramovich. However, the discord among fans remains palpable, with chants of support for Abramovich ringing out during his initial match as head coach and discontent aimed at the current owners.

Protests are anticipated ahead of his first league game against Brentford, who overshadowed Chelsea in the league standings this past week.

Address Inconsistency

Chelsea has substantially invested in new players since 2022, spending over £1.5 billion while raising around £750 million through player sales. However, this financial commitment has not translated into consistent results on the pitch. The squad, which averages under 24 years, is the youngest in the Premier League, and no team of this age has secured a league title in the Premier League era.

Flashes of potential have been evident, but the team has frequently faltered and lost valuable points from advantageous positions. Rosenior’s previous coaching experience at Strasbourg mirrors these issues, as his young team also lost points from winning positions in their matches. For Chelsea to realize their aspirations, especially a Champions League return, immediate improvement in performance is crucial.

Resolve Ill-Discipline

Chelsea faced disciplinary issues in the recent match against Fulham, culminating in Marc Cucurella’s red card for stopping an attacking player. The resulting setback allowed Fulham to secure a win.

Caretaker manager Calum McFarlane later defended Cucurella while acknowledging concerns about three yellow cards issued for dissent immediately after the dismissal. Chelsea has already amassed the highest number of yellow and red cards in the league this season, signaling a pressing need to address team discipline.

Rosenior will need to tackle these challenges swiftly to stabilize Chelsea’s performances and cultivate an environment of discipline and consistency.

What’s Next for Rosenior?

Starting immediately, Rosenior has engaged in team discussions and was present at the match against Fulham. The first full training session is planned, after which he will address the media and finalize his squad for the upcoming FA Cup third-round clash against Charlton Athletic.

Following that, Chelsea competes against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final before Rosenior’s inaugural Premier League match at home against Brentford. As he embarks on this new chapter, Rosenior’s ability to navigate the various challenges ahead will be instrumental in shaping his success and the future of Chelsea FC.