As Liam Rosenior looks to put Chelsea's League Cup disappointment behind him, one Blues icon has sent a clear message to the board of the west Londoners
Liam Rosenior, Manager of Chelsea looks on during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on February 03, 2026 in London, England
It has been a challenging week for Liam Rosenior(Image: 2026 James Gill - Danehouse)
View 3 Images
Two-time Premier League winner William Gallas has urged Chelsea to give Liam Rosenior the same patience Arsenal gave to Mikel Arteta. Rosenior, 41, has started strongly at Stamford Bridge, winning seven of his first nine matches in charge.
While the only two blemishes on his record both came against Arteta's side, losing both legs of their League Cup semi-final clash, Rosenior can point to his 3-2 away victory over Napoli which booked Chelsea's place in the Champions League knockout stages. The former Brighton and Hove Albion defender next brings his side to the Midlands to face rock bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers in his next match.
Victory is a must for Rosenior, who currently has the west Londoners fifth in the table. But even if there is a bump in the road, Gallas urged his former side to be patient with the ex-Strasbourg boss.
"That's why when we look, for example, at what happened to Arsenal with Arteta. He's been in charge of the club for five years now. It looks like they will be champions this season.
"That shows you that managers now need time to build their team, to bring the players they want to compete for the Premier League and for the Champions League. A few years ago, maybe 10, 15 or 20 years ago, it was not like this, especially when you are the manager for the big club.
"After one, two years, if you don't have the results, you will not be the manager anymore. But now football has changed, players are different, new generation, so with that new generation you have to take more time.”
Liam Rosenior, Manager of Chelsea, and Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, embrace prior to the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on January 14, 2026 in London, England
Gallas referenced Arteta as an example of what can be done if a manager is given time(Image: 2026 Chelsea FC)
View 3 Images
Gallas' confidence is backed by several conversations he has had with Rosenior. The former French international, who also played for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur among others, had many interactions with Rosenior when the Englishman was coaching in France.
He also remembers some exchanges when they played with each other during their playing career. On their most recent conversation, Gallas said: "It was in London. We had a little conversation. And we have played against each other before as well. But it was a very short meeting."
Rosenior was not able to get the better of Arteta over their sides' two-legged battle in the League Cup. With Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and in the Champions League knockout stages after topping the table, it's easy to forget Rosenior has more management experience now than Arteta did when he was given the Arsenal job.
Special Guest William Gallas is interviewed on stage ahead of the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knock-out Round Play-offs Draw at the UEFA Headquarters, The House of the European Football, on January 16, 2025 in Nyon, Switzerland
Gallas is a huge admirer of Rosenior(Image: 2026 UEFA)
View 3 Images
When the Spaniard stepped into the Emirates Stadium at the end of 2019, his only coaching experience was while working as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City. Arsenal finished that campaign in eighth position and his first full campaign ended in the same position.
After a fifth placed finish and three consecutive second placed finishes, they are now in pole position to lift the Premier League. Meanwhile, Rosenior was given the job after managing Hull City and guiding Strasbourg into the Europa Conference League.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image