Tim Sherwood believes success in the short term for Liam Rosenior is qualifying for Champions League football, and anything more is unrealistic.
Rosenior took over from Enzo Maresca earlier this month and has overseen three wins from his first four games in charge.
Chelsea are currently in the top eight of the Champions League with one game remaining, whilst they sit sixth in the Premier League.
Tim Sherwood on realistic expectations for Liam Rosenior
Chelsea reportedly told Rosenior Champions League qualification for next season was “critical,” and the 41-year-old will be fully aware of the task at hand.
The Blues have a favourable run of fixtures coming up in the Premier League against Crystal Palace, West Ham, Wolves, Leeds and Burnley.
If Chelsea are serious about qualifying for the Champions League they should be aiming for maximum points, and 12 at a bare minimum.
Liam Rosenior applauds the Chelsea fans.
Rosenior is under pressure to qualify for the Champions League. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Chelsea are still in three cup competitions and could lift silverware again this season, but Sherwood believes success in the short term is simply qualifying for the Champions League again.
“I think success for Chelsea now, for this season, in the short term, is to finish in the Champions League spots, that’s realistic,” he told Sky Sports News.
“Anything above that to win the Champions League, I think it’d be way above, they’re not there.
“They could do it. Of course they can.
“They’ve got some fantastic players there, but realistically, with a new man going in, with the different ideas, with the time it’s going to take to implement them ideas.
“I think for them to finish in the Champions League spot, whether it be fourth or fifth in the Premier League, I think is an achievement for them.”
"I can't get over the negativity" 🗣️
Tim Sherwood doesn't understand the reaction from some Chelsea fans towards Liam Rosenior and reveals what success will look like for him this season 🔵 pic.twitter.com/24B3ZN8dq6
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 22, 2026
Chelsea hoping to sign Jeremy Jacquet
Rosenior has stated several times he feels he’s got a very talented squad at his disposal, but the Blues are looking to add another centre back this month.
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Estevao Willian against Arsenal.
Stamford Bridge generic.
A generic group of Chelsea players celebrate.
They are believed to have a three man shortlist, but they have identified Rennes star Jeremy Jacquet as their main target.
So far no offer has been made yet, with Rennes holding out for around £60m for the 20-year-old, and it will be interesting to see what Chelsea decide to do.