Six games, five wins and not only have Chelsea closed the gap on the top four in the Premier League since Liam Rosenior took over, but they have qualified for the last 16 in the Champions League.
Having won both of his two Premier League games in charge, Liam Rosenior was tasked with arguably his hardest and certainly, his most important game so far. Chelsea needed to beat Napoli to stay in the eight.
Pivotal, not just because it sees Chelsea avoid the play-offs and potentially being knocked out, but it saves Chelsea from having to play more in February. Having gone 2-1 down, Chelsea came back to win.
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The introduction of Cole Palmer changed things, as the England star laid on both assists for Joao Pedro. The Brazilian scored twice in the second half to win the game 3-2, and it left Steven Gerrard impressed.
Steven Gerrard says what Liam Rosenior has got “spot on”
What seems to have been the main difference since Rosenior came to the club is intensity. Work rate is up, squad morale seems to be up, confidence seems to be improving but everything is a bit quicker.
Chelsea Head Coach Liam Rosenior reacts after during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea
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Before the game, Rosenior identified Napoli would need to take risks to go and win the match, while the injury-hit nature of the squad might see them tire. It rang true and Gerrard praised Rosenior on TNT.
“He did call it. He did say we might have to wait until later in the game, when the game is in the balance, when Napoli take a few more risks, and that can be the opportunity to win. Tactically, he’s been spot on.”
Joe Cole thinks Chelsea would have lost under Enzo Maresca
After the win against Charlton, Rosenior’s first game in charge, Joe Cole said he didn’t see much that was different in terms of style. But now six games in, Cole has noticed one big difference between the two.
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Speaking on TNT alongside Gerrard and Ally McCoist on Wednesday night, former Chelsea midfielder Cole reckons Chelsea would have lost under Maresca at 2-1 down. But Rosenior has instilled character.
” Liam is still getting his style of play. But the one thing is character. A Chelsea team, going behind, could’ve got rolled over a few months ago. He’s instilled something in them,” Cole said on the 3-2 win.
Cole will watch his two old sides do battle on the weekend as Chelsea host West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening. A fifth London derby in what will be Rosenior’s seventh match as Chelsea gaffer.
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