Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has revealed that their plan was not to concede early and keep themselves in the game as long as possible against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semifinal second leg. The Englishman added that it is easy to analyse things as a pundit after the game, but taking the risk before kick-off is tricky.
Speaking after the game, Rosenior said he understands the demands of his job and that results will determine how he is perceived in the media. He recalled his time as a pundit, saying that it was normal to sit and talk, but the tough part of his job is executing tactics. He said:
"I've been a pundit. It's easy. It's easy in hindsight. If I go and attack the game, press really high and we concede two goals early, everyone says what's he doing? That's the reality of my job. The reality of my job is that if you lose games you'll be criticised and if you win you're a genius. It's normally somewhere in between that."
Talking about the result, Rosenior said the first leg was key, and he believes the flu was a key reason they lost 3-2 at Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea manager said:
"The first leg, we had a flu virus. It's not an excuse, it's the reality. We had a flu virus and had to change the team on the day of that game. I would have been in the club for four days. For me, the frustration is not going through."
"If you even see the organisation levels from that game to now, in terms of controlling a game, in terms of being on the front foot, I think there's a clear difference. I'm very, very pleased in the direction of our performances if the result wasn't where we wanted it to be tonight."
Kai Havertz scored the lone goal against his former side in the second leg to seal a 4-2 aggregate win for Arsenal.
Chelsea were without key players in Arsenal loss
Liam Rosenior has revealed that Chelsea lost Pedro Neto and Reece James after late fitness kept them out of the match. The manager also had to work with Cole Palmer, who was just recovering, and Estevao Willian, who had flown back in from Brazil after leaving for personal reasons. He said:
"We've had a lot to contend with the last couple of days, a couple of fitness tests this morning. Normally I name the team the day before. I named the team this afternoon when I had the full details of who was available."
Chelsea face Wolverhampton next in the Premier League and the manager expects both players back for the game.