Liam Rosenior makes his Champions League debut on Wednesday as Chelsea host Pafos at Stamford Bridge, and he has the chance to match Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte’s surprising record.
David Luiz’s side come to Chelsea with the Cypriot side still fighting to remain in European competition. But they face a tough challenge against a Chelsea side that can climb into the top-eight places.
Chelsea have a better goal difference than Atalanta and Man City, who sit in eighth and seventh, so a win would take the Blues above those sides into the top eight. For Pafos, they need a win to stay in Europe.
After that celebration for PSG in 2015, how do you feel about David Luiz today: Chelsea Legend or just a former player? 🤨
David Luiz on his Chelsea return with Pafos
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But for Rosenior, he will be desperate to make it three wins from four games in charge and maintain momentum going into an away trip against Crystal Palace on Saturday. He can match a strange record.
Chelsea managers struggle in first Champions League game
Of Chelsea’s last nine permanent managers, only two have won their first Champions League game in charge of Chelsea. Antonio Conte smashed Qarabag back in September 2017, cruising to a 6-0 win.
Liam Rosenior applauds the fans.
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The other was Thomas Tuchel, who won Chelsea’s first leg against Atletico Madrid in February 2021 with a score of 1-0. Mauricio Pochettino and Maurizio Sarri never managed Chelsea in the Champions League.
Enzo Maresca lost to Bayern, Frank Lampard suffered defeat to Valencia in 2019, Guus Hiddink was beaten by PSG and Jose Mourinho embarrassingly lost to Basel at the beginning of his second stint at Chelsea.
Graham Potter was the only manager to draw his first Champions League game as Chelsea manager, unable to overcome Salzburg. So, Rosenior can become the third of the last 10 to win his first match.
Liam Rosenior’s injury update ahead of Pafos clash
Aside from the obvious long-term absentees that include Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill, Rosenior has given an injury update on his side. Midfielder Dario Essugo continues his recovery after a long-term issue.
What have you made of Liam Rosenior’s tactics so far?
Jamie Carragher quote on Liam Rosenior's tactics
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Essugo was on the bench against Charlton and Arsenal but failed to make the squad against Brentford. Rosenior confirmed Tosin has picked up a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined for weeks.
Then there is Enzo Fernandez, who is ill, but Malo Gusto is back in training this week. Estevao and Jamie Gittens are also back and available after their bouts of illness. Rosenior will need to make changes.
Especially, as it is the fourth game in the space of 11 days, with the win over Charlton coming on the 10th of January. With Palace away on Saturday, Rosenior will need to rotate against a side they expect to beat.
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