Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has weighed in on whether their transfer ban acts as a "negative distraction" for the upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Blues were handed a suspended transfer ban for one year and a fine of £10.75 million after being found guilty of breaching the rules of the Premier League.
The news of the transfer ban comes ahead of Chelsea facing PSG in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg this week. The Blues lost 5-2 to the French side in the first leg and will be desperate to overturn the result in the second leg on March 17. Ahead of the clash, the Football Association found the Blues guilty of 74 alleged rule breaches, leading to their transfer ban for a year. Additionally, they've also been handed a nine-month academy transfer ban.
In the pre-match press conference ahead of the PSG clash, Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior responded to a question about the transfer ban being a negative distraction for the club. He said (via football.london):
"No, it's not a negative distraction. I think actually that's a line drawn through that issue. We can move on and we can plan to make this club as strong as possible in the long term. That's the idea from the ownership, myself and everybody involved with the club."
Chelsea's transfer ban also meant that they avoided a points deduction in the Premier League after they admitted to breaching the Premier League regulations. These allegations were related to payments of a reported £47 million made during Roman Abramovich's ownership, which ended in 2022 with the takeover of Todd Boehly.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior clarifies controversy regarding pre-match huddle ahead of PSG clash
Liam Rosenior - Source: Getty
Liam Rosenior - Source: Getty
In the pre-game press conference ahead of facing PSG, Liam Rosenior was also questioned about Chelsea's recent pre-match practice of forming a huddle. Rosenior said (via football.london):
"I think in terms of the huddle, I think it's been blown out of proportion to be honest. It's a small, small thing amongst many, many serious things that we need to address, such as a massive game against PSG tomorrow. In terms of the huddle, the lads have always wanted to show unity and togetherness. I think they'll continue to do that. What we don't want to do is antagonise or bring the noise on ourselves. And we'll make the decision on where we do that on the pitch tomorrow."
In Chelsea's last Premier League clash against Newcastle United, they came into controversy for their pre-match huddle, with the referee interrupting the same. Referee Paul Tierney stood in the middle while the Blues went on with their pre-game practice with the ball in the centre.
They lost 1-0 to the Magpies, with Rosenior openly speaking up against the referee for interrupting the huddle. It remains to be seen if the West London continues the practice amid mixed reactions to the same.