New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has made a direct appeal to the club's supporters, urging them to judge him on performances rather than pre-conceptions as he begins his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
A Call for Patience and Fair Judgement
The appointment of the 41-year-old manager, confirmed on Friday 09 January 2026, has not been met with unanimous approval from the fanbase. Some discontent stems from perceptions that Rosenior, who previously worked for Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg, represents a convenient internal option for the ownership group, BlueCo.
Speaking candidly, Rosenior acknowledged the scepticism and asked for time to demonstrate his credentials. "Judge what you see, don't judge what you hear," he stated. "Judge what you see on the pitch. Don't even judge my press conference, I'm just being myself. Give myself, my staff and my players the chance to prove that we're worthy."
He referenced Chelsea's legendary title-winning managers, including Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Antonio Conte, admitting he has work to do to earn such status. "Jose Mourinho said it took him years to become an overnight success," Rosenior noted. "It's the same for anyone. You're not a name until you become a name."
Restoring Harmony Amid Fan Discontent
Rosenior's task extends beyond the pitch to mending a strained relationship between the club and its supporters. Dissatisfaction with BlueCo's stewardship over its three and a half years of ownership has been palpable.
This sentiment was quantified in a recent Chelsea Supporters' Trust poll, which revealed a stark statistic: only 1.3 per cent of fans believe the club is being run in a way that will yield sustained success in the next three to five years.
The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge has reflected this frustration, with each of BlueCo's three previous permanent managerial appointments – Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, and Enzo Maresca – facing vocal and sometimes bitter criticism from the stands.
Building Connection Through Football
Rosenior, who attended Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Wednesday, outlined his vision for reconnecting with fans through an attractive style of play. He emphasised the critical role supporters play in creating a formidable home advantage.
"Fans are so important for the atmosphere in the stadium, home and away," he said. "They make a massive difference to the energy of the place. I want a brave, fearless, front-footed team who aren't afraid to make mistakes."
He concluded with a promise of accountability, vowing to be the first to admit if performances fall short. "If the performances aren't good enough, I'll be the first one to say. I'll hold my hands up," Rosenior asserted, hoping his actions on the touchline will soon speak louder than any external noise.
