Chelsea continued their fine form under Liam Rosenior with a 3-1 win over Wolves, as Cole Palmer's hat-trick heroics were followed by a memorable post-match moment with his manager
Cole Palmer gatecrashed Liam Rosenior's post-match interview on Chelsea TV
Cole Palmer gatecrashed Liam Rosenior's post-match interview on Chelsea TV
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Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior couldn't contain his laughter during a club media interview, thanks to the unexpected appearance of Cole Palmer. The amusing incident followed the 23-year-old's impressive first-half hat-trick in Chelsea's 3-1 Premier League victory over Wolves.
That win maintains Rosenior's flawless league record, with victories in all four of his initial matches in the division. Not only has that achievement halted Chelsea's decline that came at the end of former boss Enzo Maresca's time at the club, but it has also kept them in contention for Champions League qualification.
While several factors may have contributed to this revival, the appointment of the new head coach could be the most significant. Rosenior's exceptional man-management skills have been particularly commended, with his strong rapport with the players already evident.
This was clearly demonstrated in the post-match interview with Chelsea's club media following the victory over Wolves. As the interviewer prepared to start questioning, Rosenior broke into laughter when the camera revealed Palmer eagerly awaiting his manager's praise.
The manager said: "Sorry, that just threw me," as he chuckled during the early part of the conversation. "Hopefully we can keep him [Palmer] fit and on the pitch and doing what he loves to do."
The response from Rosenior and Palmer revealed just how tight-knit the dressing room has become under the new manager, with a strong bond already evident between players and head coach. This kind of commitment from the squad can help translate training ground ideas onto the pitch.
This isn't the first glimpse of such camaraderie, with Rosenior previously gatecrashing Joao Pedro's interview following Chelsea's Champions League victory over Napoli.
Liam Rosenior's reaction said it all
Liam Rosenior's reaction said it all
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Whilst what unfolds on the pitch remains paramount, there's clearly an appetite to foster a relaxed atmosphere elsewhere within the club.
Chelsea will be hoping this approach continues to deliver results, following an encouraging beginning under their new manager. One aspect that will face scrutiny during the early stages of his reign is his handling of Palmer.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea pose with the match ball after his hat-trick in the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea
Cole Palmer scored another hat-trick for Chelsea against Wolves(Image: (Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))
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The England star made a spectacular impression after his switch from Manchester City, but a combination of fitness setbacks and tactical challenges has hampered his progress over the past 12 months. His first-half hat-trick against Wolves, which featured two spot-kicks, could signal a brighter period ahead for the attacking midfielder.
Speaking to journalists afterwards, Palmer credited the new boss with helping to turn things around at the club. He said: "Life under Liam [Rosenior] is amazing, you know, he gives us more confidence, lets us be ourselves, playing free. So I'm sure when I'm back proper fit then you'll see the best of me."
Palmer's injury and fitness concerns have been a significant worry for Chelsea this season, forcing the club to manage extended periods without him. Rosenior insisted that the forward is capable of completing 90 minutes once more, but opted for an early substitution against Wolves as a precautionary measure, with the result already secured.
Chelsea's victory at Molineux sees them sitting fifth in the table on 43 points, trailing rivals Manchester United in fourth by just one point and Aston Villa in third by four points. Midweek fixtures await the Blues, with Leeds United visiting Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.
The FA Cup then beckons, with Rosenior set to face his former club Hull City on Friday night, as the fixtures continue to pile up relentlessly.