Generally, the feel-good factor is returning at Stamford Bridge since the appointment of Liam Rosenior as manager following the tumult of Enzo Maresca’s reign.
Rosenior was appointed as Chelsea manager early last week. He has since spoken to the media on three separate occasions and impressed, portraying a picture of calm. A man who is confident in his ability.
Then, on Saturday, Rosenior ended Chelsea’s winless streak, which had stretched to almost a month, by cruising past Charlton in the FA Cup with a 5-1 win. Chelsea had last won against Cardiff in the Cup.
Joe Cole said there were only minor differences between Rosenior and Maresca’s style of play, but it was an exciting performance, given Rosenior had made eight changes following the Fulham loss last week.
What are your first impressions of Liam Rosenior’s tactics following Chelsea’s FA Cup win against Charlton?
What differences did you notice between his style and Enzo Maresca's? 👀
Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato discussing Liam Rosenior's style of play
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Gary Lineker impressed by Liam Rosenior’s start at Chelsea
The Premier League is awash with managers making eye-opening comments. Ruben Amorim, after Maresca, got himself sacked after an outburst following Man United’s 1-1 draw against Leeds United.
Over the weekend, Forest boss Sean Dyche lambasted the strength of his fringe players after defeat to Wrexham. So, to have a manager who exudes composure will come as a breath of fresh air to fans.
Liam Rosenior at Fulham v Chelsea.
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Gary Lineker is impressed by what he has seen from Rosenior off the pitch so far and in front of a camera: “Good start for Liam Rosenior. He’s handled everything well so far.
“I’ve been impressed with things I’ve seen on social media, two lengthy interviews he’s given. He’s exuded confidence, the difficult thing will be when they lose games, but he believes in himself,” Lineker added.
“He has a presence which is really important when you go into a club like Chelsea. He doesn’t seem fazed, a cracking start for him,” Lineker said, having watched Rosenior after his Chelsea appointment.
What do you make of Liam Rosenior’s comment on the Chelsea model?🤔
Let's hope they don't walk all over him!
Liam Rosenior on Chelsea club model
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Alan Shearer delivers verdict on Liam Rosenior’s start
Rosenior has made a brilliant start to life as Chelsea manager, ending a month without a win by beating Charlton. A near-perfect display despite the set-piece concession. But things are about to get harder.
This week, two London derbies. The first, Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at home on Wednesday night. Then, it is Brentford on Saturday afternoon, before the Blues then take on Pafos.
Shearer believes it is going to get harder for Rosenior, and he’s right, with Mikel Arteta aiming to pop the balloon: “It doesn’t matter what manager you are, old, young or whatever, you’ve got to get a good start.
Alan Shearer looks on during Newcastle United FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
“He will face bigger tests, but good start, scored at a great time, into the next round so that will do his team and him the world of good,” Shearer continued, when discussing Rosenior’s start in West London.
Rosenior’s challenge to get a result against Arsenal and remain in the job for the second leg has been made harder, after he confirmed Cole Palmer, Reece James and Malo Gusto missed Charlton with tweaks.
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