Liam Rosenior has stated his desire to change aspects of Chelsea’s game in time ahead of Sunday’s clash, as Chelsea’s lack of running ability has been noted compared to rivals Arsenal.
Liam Rosenior was honest about what he can do in Chelsea’s side at the moment (Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior admitted that his side were unable to cover as much ground as Arsenal during matches and that it was a problem that “couldn’t be solved in the short term”.
The Blues head to the Emirates looking for their fourth first win of the season against the Gunners. Arsenal need to regain a five-point lead at the top of the table, while Chelsea need to keep up the pace and remain in the Champions League.
But the new man in the Stamford Bridge dugout is aware of the fact that his side have the tightest defensive coverage of any team in the top flight, and that could be further highlighted this Sunday with Arsenal moving around the pitch more than any other team.
Of all Premier League clubs, the north London outfit have accumulated a staggering 1,988 miles. Chelsea ranks at the bottom of the same metric with 1,773 miles.
Rossenyol admits that although Chelsea have played an impressive number of games since the start of last season due to their participation in a large number of competitions, this cannot be changed overnight.
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“It’s really difficult. We know what we want this team to achieve in all aspects. We always want to be at the top in every category. Arsenal are a very physical, very high-pressing, high-energy team. We also want them to press high and have high energy. It’s not something that can be solved in a short period of time. It’s something that will be achieved over months and preferably years.”
He added: “It’s fine to say in your head ‘this is how I want to play’ but you have to adapt it to the players, their experience and the situation at this stage of the season.”
Chelsea have failed to beat Arsenal in all three games so far this season (Image: Getty)
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“I can’t have them come in and completely change the training schedule and what they’re used to because they could get injured. This is a long-term issue for me. Right now, my focus and the way we approach it is, game by game, what’s best for these players to win. That’s going to be the case for the rest of the season as well.”
Chelsea endured huge criticism for their approach the last time they visited Arsenal, knowing they needed to win to keep their Carabao Cup hopes alive. They couldn’t get a shot off, but Rosenior hit back, insisting: “I was a pundit, but in hindsight it’s easy. If I attack the game and press really high, people will ask what I’m doing.”
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