Liam Rosenior has called on Chelsea fans to reserve judgment and assess his performance based on what they witness on the pitch, rather than being swayed by external opinions and speculation surrounding his appointment. The 41-year-old's arrival at Stamford Bridge hasn't been met with universal acclaim, with some fans questioning whether he was the right choice, especially given his prior association with Chelsea's sister club, Strasbourg.
Rosenior, formerly manager of Derby and Hull, acknowledged the size of the task ahead, recognizing that he aspires to reach the level of legendary Chelsea managers like Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Antonio Conte. He quoted Mourinho, saying, "it took him years to become an overnight success," highlighting the need for patience and time to establish himself. Rosenior emphasized that all successful coaches were once given an opportunity to prove their worth.
"Judge what you see, don't judge what you hear," Rosenior urged supporters. He encouraged them to focus on the team's performances on the field and not to be influenced by press conferences or external noise. He asked for a fair chance for himself, his staff, and the players to demonstrate their capabilities. Rosenior assured fans that he would be the first to admit if the performances were not up to par.
Rosenior's appointment comes at a time when there is existing dissatisfaction among Chelsea supporters regarding the ownership's management of the club. A recent poll by the Chelsea Supporters' Trust revealed that only a small percentage of fans believe the club is being run in a way that will ensure sustained success on the field in the coming years.
Despite the external pressures, Rosenior expressed confidence in the team's potential. Following his first few days of training with the squad, he stated that he believes the potential of the club is "limitless". He acknowledged the talent within the squad, including players who have won the World Cup and the Club World Cup. Rosenior said that his focus is to turn that potential into reality and mold the team into a world-class unit.
Rosenior recognizes the youthfulness of the Chelsea squad as a strength but understands that talent alone is insufficient to guarantee success. He said the players are honest and want success. He aims to create a team with spirit, energy, and a winning culture.
Rosenior has signed a long-term deal with Chelsea, committing himself to the club until 2032. He is aware of the need to manage expectations and relationships within the club. He also addressed the team's disciplinary record, stating it is one of the areas they can improve upon. Rosenior wants the players to maintain their passion and emotion but react positively to setbacks.
Rosenior's first match in charge will be an FA Cup tie against Charlton. He has urged his players to focus on winning the next game and believes that with their talent and professionalism, they can achieve a winning run. He stated he feels confident that he can bring the best out of the group.
