After Liam Rosenia spoke, a loud chorus of “Liam, Liam, Liam” broke out in the room.
Chelsea fans have faith in their manager because of the results, the soundbites and the way he’s involved.
It was Chelsea’s corporate event for season ticket holders and fans in the West Stand on Thursday night, with star Rosenior and legends such as John Terry and Carlo Cudicini in attendance. And they liked what they heard. Rosenior spoke about the competition with Arsenal and the progress that has made Chelsea successful again.
Earlier in the day, when there was a Chelsea Foundation event during training, he took a break from himself and went to the children and explained what was going on in the session. He’s a perfectly decent man.
Chelsea have had some amazing big-name managers and big names over the last few years. Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel to name just a few. Rosenior comes from “in-house” at BlueCo-owned Strasbourg, was the obvious choice of the owners, and immediately spoke volumes about the team and players. He didn’t say that about himself.
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Chelsea have had some amazing big-name managers and big names over the last few years. Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel to name just a few. Rosenior comes from “in-house” at BlueCo-owned Strasbourg, was the obvious choice of the owners, and immediately spoke volumes about the team and players. He didn’t say that about himself.
But since then, Rosenior has established himself as a personality, speaking very well with great passion and authority, practically commanding column inches, and doing very good television interviews. There was a subtle but noticeable change.
After the away game, Rosenior heads to the visiting Chelsea fans. Never underestimate what it means. Fans love his passion on the touchline.
Rosenior’s outburst of “respect” for Arsenal this week was strange. That’s because so many clubs have pre-match training sessions that involve penetrating the opposition’s side of the pitch. Rosenior hurled a four-letter curse at the Arsenal manager on the Chelsea side of the pitch, where the keeper was practicing long kicks, before Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final.
But it definitely made a broader statement that Chelsea are a big club and deserve respect, and more importantly, Chelsea fans probably loved seeing their manager show passion and tell his rivals to ‘go and have a go’.
Liam Rosenior was furious before the match at the Emirates (Image: Getty Images)
I go there often. Yes, Chelsea lost to Arsenal in the semi-finals. But it was clear to everyone that progress had been made in the 28 days between those two games.
Chelsea were exhausted in the first leg and could have lost 4-1. they were overwhelmed. They remained in the match in the second leg, but were unable to create any big chances to level up. But they were clearly better.
It’s reflected in their results. Against Arsenal, who currently lead the Premier League, they have won six of their eight games and lost two. They beat Napoli in the Champions League and came back from a 2-0 deficit against West Ham to put them in a real strong position for a top-four finish.
He is highly regarded as a coach and has long been regarded by the Football Association as one of the country’s best up-and-coming managers. He remains highly respected at Brighton, where he gained his first experience as a coach. It’s a similar story at his other clubs.
No serious player would support his methods unless they respected him. He must prove that soon at Cobham’s training ground. His sessions were sharp, innovative and fresh.
His tactics on the pitch reflect that. The formation was fluid and so were the players. He has made bold substitutions and has seen results.
Rosenia also connected with fans. You must be conscious of not wanting to be seen as a “company employee.” He must perform in his own right.
Interestingly, Rosenior was featured on the cover of the latest CFCUK fanzine with the message: “Don’t worry about the owners. Your players need you.” This fanzine was positive and optimistic.
The fanzine’s editor, Dave Johnston, said: “I handed him a copy as he came off stage at a supporters’ event on Thursday night and said, “This is for you.” He’s accepted that and I think he knows that the fans really want him to succeed. He is engaged and respectful.
“He comes from a football background and has a very good impression and will be a great manager. We have to hope that happens at Chelsea. It’s very good to see a manager speak so well, using his brain where he’s supposed to be. The fans really liked what they heard.”
“He has given me a lot of confidence in himself. We all know how difficult it is to manage Chelsea in the current situation, but he has made a very good start.”
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