Liam Rosenior managed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for the first time during the week.
The 41-year-old could not secure the result he would have hoped for after Chelsea were beaten 3-2 by London rivals Arsenal.
With a second leg to play at the Emirates, though, the Blues remain in the Carabao Cup and still have a chance to make it to the final at Wembley in March.
Rosenior is now set to take charge of his first Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea facing Brentford in another London derby on Saturday afternoon. In the build-up to the game, Rosenior has spoken about several of his players.
Chelsea have struggled against Brentford recently…
Can Liam Rosenior put things right on Saturday?
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Head Coach Liam Rosenior and Dario Essugo of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Liam Rosenior wants to ease Dario Essugo back into things after serious injury
One Chelsea star who has been a topic of conversation for Rosenior is Dario Essugo.
Essugo is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea this season because of injury, but the midfielder is fit again and available for selection.
Rosenior is a fan of Essugo’s skill set; however, the Chelsea manager has made it clear that he is going to take things slowly with the 20-year-old because of the thigh problem he suffered.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, which has been shared by Chelsea’s official club website, Rosenior said: “Dario’s close. I’m aware of his abilities, I’m aware of his strengths, but I want to give him the best possible moment to show himself in the best way coming back from a long time out because he is a very good player.”
What changes would you make to Chelsea’s starting XI vs Brentford?👀
Chelsea predicted XI vs Brentford
Credit – GRV Media
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It means that Rosenior will continue with Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos in midfield.
After seeing what he can do at Strasbourg, Rosenior has a lot of faith in Santos, who started in the Blues’ recent loss to Arsenal. The Brazilian and Essugo could be the future of Chelsea if they develop well in west London.
Head Coach Liam Rosenior of Chelsea during a press conference
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Dario Essugo needs to be utilised between now and end of season
When Rosenior decides that Essugo is ready to make a contribution, the former Strasbourg boss should use him.
Essugo definitely has something to offer, with the Portuguese being quite a good ball-winner. For example, according to WhoScored, he made 2.2 tackles per game in La Liga last season while on loan at Las Palmas.
Chelsea see similarities between Essugo and Caicedo, and hopefully the former Sporting man can demonstrate that soon.
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