Liam Rosenior has admitted that “long-term welfare” is currently dictating his Chelsea defensive selections, explaining that certain key players cannot yet be risked in back-to-back fixtures.
One of the biggest mysteries under Liam Rosenior at Chelsea has been his team selection at times, with multiple decisions raising eyebrows.
He’s failed to settle on a centre-back partnership, with Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo and even Reece James at centre-back at times.
The clash with Napoli in the Champions League saw James and Fofana line up with each other, but that plan backfired miserably.
And Liam Rosenior has come clean on why he’s had to change his centre-backs so much.
Time for Mamadou Sarr to be given a try, or why else did we bring him back?
Something needs to change defensively!
Chelsea's goals conceded under Liam Rosenior
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
Liam Rosenior issues an update on Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana has only started one of Chelsea’s Premier League games since Liam Rosenior was appointed as Enzo Maresca’s replacement.
And we haven’t had much insight into his reasoning until now.
Speaking in his presser ahead of the Hull City clash in the FA Cup, Rosenior said that Fofana has had some issues, so he doesn’t want to risk him just yet (Football.London).
“In terms of Wes, he’s had injury issues and I want to make sure he doesn’t break down again. You always want consistency in the back line but I’m sure we’ll get there in the end.”
What is he talking about? 🤦♂️
Sam Allardyce discussing Chelsea's Cole Palmer
Credit: Stu Forster/Ben Roberts Photo via Getty Images
Who is Chelsea’s best centre-back partnership?
Statistically and tactically, Chelsea’s most effective centre-back partnership remains Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana, despite Liam Rosenior’s recent need to rotate the pair.
Rosenior’s current priority on player well-being has seen the deployment of 19-year-old Josh Acheampong alongside Chalobah to avoid overworking Fofana. Although Acheampong has shown immense potential, the recent 2-2 draw with Leeds United highlighted the communication gaps.
The January recall of Mamadou Sarr is set to be made use of for the first time against Hull City in the FA Cup this weekend, which will give Rosenior a good idea of where he’s at.
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