Liam Rosenior was left hurt after Chelsea’s devastating Champions League defeat to PSG, although he may have found a solution to the Blues’ defensive woes.
On a night where they needed to be perfect in defence, it took just minutes for Mamadou Sarr to make an error that allowed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to put the tie to bed early on.
Enzo Fernandez’s first half anger summed up the feeling in the stadium as the defence really struggled in the first half, and it wasn’t until the second half where they sorted things out at all.
Do you think Chelsea should sack Liam Rosenior? Or are you willing to give him more time?🤔
Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Josh Acheampong is the answer to Chelsea’s defensive woes
This came after Josh Acheampong’s introduction to the game, moving Chelsea to a back four that they looked far more comfortable in than the original back three.
Despite facing a confident Kvaratskhelia, Acheampong was not dribbled past once, making three recoveries, a tackle and an interception.
Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
He also brought some much-needed width to the attack, something that Rosenior has been pushing Reece James to do recently.
The skipper has fallen to an injury that will see him out for a number of weeks, and this will create opportunities for Acheampong to start more often.
The Cobham graduate offers central defensive security too, and this is the position we believe he should feature in more often.
Trevoh Chalobah looks as if he is facing a prolonged period on the sidelines due to an injury picked up late last night, leaving Chelsea facing an injury crisis at the back.
Wesley Fofana did not start against PSG due to muscle discomfort, although his poor form doesn’t exactly make him a certainty to start when fit.
Rosenior is going to have to take some risks between now and the end of the season, with a place in next season’s Champions League likely playing a part in him keeping his job.
He needs to start to take risks with his squad selection, and starting Acheampong on a frequent basis for the rest of the campaign is one that could save him his job.
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