Chelsea edged past Pafos on Wednesday evening but Malo Gusto has told his team to improve in one area ahead of the Blues' Premier League trip to Crystal Palace at the weekend
15:00, 22 Jan 2026
Malo Gusto
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Malo Gusto during Chelsea's win over Pafos(Image: Ryan Pierse)
Malo Gusto has called on his Chelsea teammates to become more clinical in front of goal after a wasteful attacking display in the victory over Pafos on Wednesday night.
Moises Caicedo scored the only goal of the Champions League clash, with the midfielder heading in on 78 minutes to earn the Blues a crucial three points in their penultimate league phase game. Chelsea dominated Pafos at Stamford Bridge, recording 18 shots in total, though only seven of those tested the goalkeeper.
Liam Delap made his first-ever Champions League start on Wednesday evening but the 22-year-old struggled to get involved against Pafos' deep defensive line. Joao Pedro replaced Delap in the second-half but the Brazil international found it difficult to make too much of an impact at Stamford Bridge.
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Ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, Gusto has demanded a more convincing performance from Chelsea in the final third.
"It's about finishing because we're creating chances," said Gusto. "I don’t know how many we created tonight but it was a lot.
"We just seem to be missing the last shot. It's good to create chances but it's better when you finish them - as you said, goal difference is so important, so our target is to score more goals."
Liam Rosenior made his managerial debut in the Champions League on Wednesday in what was his fourth match as Chelsea head coach. In that time, the 41-year-old has led his new side to three victories and one defeat. While there have been encouraging signs for Rosenior, the Chelsea players are still becoming accustomed to a new way of playing following the dramatic departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day.
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Gusto has admitted that the players are still working on becoming the side Rosenior wants to see. “It’s a new era with new tactics, and new things to improve on,” said the Frenchman. “Everyone is happy to have Liam with the team, but it’s our job now to put everything together, to rebuild as a team and to perform as best as possible.”
Chelsea travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon as Rosenior looks to make it three wins on the bounce in all competitions.
The Blues will be hoping it is a good time to play Crystal Palace following a turbulent week for the south Londoners. Eagles boss Oliver Glasner recently revealed he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, while captain Marc Guehi has joined Manchester City this month.