Liam Rosenior is busy preparing for only his second game in charge of Chelsea on Wednesday night as the Blues play host to Arsenal in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, but already the pressure is high.
Rosenior has made a good start to life as Chelsea manager despite the initial suggestions being that the Englishman had made too big a leap from Strasbourg to the Chelsea job, despite the BlueCo connection.
John Obi Mikel has already warned Rosenior that he needs to get Chelsea’s players on side, especially the big stars like Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo. Some believe Rosenior lacks the status.
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A positive result against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup at Stamford Bridge, followed by a win against West London rivals Brentford on Saturday, will do Rosenior the world of good, but for now, there are doubts.
Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist worried for Liam Rosenior
Over in Spain, Xabi Alonso was given his marching orders by Real Madrid after his side lost 3-2 in the Spanish SuperCup final. Raphinha scored twice, including the winner to secure victory over Real Madrid.
Strasbourg's British head coach Liam Rosenior looks on ahead of the French L1 football match between OGC Nice and RC Strasbourg
Photo by Frederic DIDES / AFP via Getty Images
After the game, Alonso tried to make his side give Barcelona a guard of honour but Kylian Mbappe overruled the gaffer. Hours after the game and Alonso was told he would no longer be Madrid manager.
These days, player power is so big that it can overrule a manager and both McCoist and Brazil feel it could happen at Chelsea with Rosenior. Brazil initially made the point on TalkSPORT (14/01, 7.40AM).
Brazil said: “Big job. I’ll tell you why I worry for Liam. Some of the superstars at Chelsea will be like, ‘who is this guy?'”, before McCoist replied: “Massive jump, mate. Well, we saw it at Real Madrid recently, I think.”
What Liam Rosenior has said about pressure on him
One thing that has impressed fans and pundits alike is the way Rosenior speaks to the media and how he acts in front of the camera. Gary Lineker praised Rosenior for being a good speaker in press conferences.
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
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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Asked about the pressure on him, he replied: “There’s pressure from day one and if I wasn’t willing to take on that pressure, privilege I wouldn’t be here. If you are scared or fearful there is no point being a coach.”
All Rosenior can do is guide Chelsea through this run of six games in 18 days and try to win as many games as possible. If he can guide Chelsea to four or five wins, then the pressure will be eased on him.
But tonight, Rosenior might have to do it without Cole Palmer, Reece James and Malo Gusto. The new gaffer confirmed he will be making a late decision on the trio ahead of the clash against Arsenal.
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