Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has talked about the differences between the new head coach, Liam Rosenior, and the former boss, Enzo Maresca. Rosenior took over for Maresca in early January after the Italian left because of problems with the club’s management. The Blues’ form has improved significantly since the change in management.
Pedro talked about how Rosenior insists on pressing and movement in an earlier interview with Chelsea’s official website. The striker said the manager wants his forwards in the middle so the number 10 has room to move, and he wants them to maintain constant pressure when they don’t have the ball.
Pedro, who played for Watford against Rosenior’s Hull City, said he was surprised by how well the new boss knew his game. The Brazilian liked getting personalized feedback on how to improve every day and reach his goals. The 24-year-old Brazilian said Rosenior brings a livelier energy to Stamford Bridge, telling CBS Sports Golazo.
“Liam is more electric, he wants us to play with more intensity and compact.”
The tactical change has worked, as Rosenior has won five of the six games he has played since taking over for Maresca. Chelsea still use a patient, possession-based system like they did when Maresca was in charge, but Rosenior has pushed the team to be more aggressive. The head coach has praised his players for being willing to sprint back on defense and counter-press.
How Rosenior’s Style Has Changed Chelsea’s Season
In his first game as Chelsea manager, Liam Rosenior made history by leading the team to a 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic. This was the biggest winning margin for any Blues manager in their first game since 1905.
People were surprised when the 41-year-old was hired because he had little managerial experience. However, his start has silenced those who were skeptical at first. Rosenior was the first Chelsea manager to win his first competitive game since Antonio Conte did so in 2016.
Against Pafos, Chelsea had the highest passing accuracy in Champions League history at 94.5%, but this slow build-up hasn’t changed the intensity that Pedro talked about.
Rosenior has been working to boost team morale and address the disciplinary problems that plagued Maresca’s last few weeks. The young team have responded well, and Pedro himself has said that the coaching staff have made the environment competitive but supportive.