New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has made a direct appeal to the club's supporters, asking them to base their judgement on performances rather than pre-conceived notions following his appointment.
A Call for Patience and Fair Judgement
The 41-year-old manager, whose arrival at Stamford Bridge has been met with a mixed reception from fans, acknowledged the scepticism surrounding his hiring. One key point of contention has been his previous employment at Chelsea's sister club, Strasbourg, leading some to view him as a convenient internal appointment. Speaking candidly, Rosenior asked for the chance to prove his worth through results on the pitch.
"Judge what you see, don't judge what you hear," Rosenior 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 promised accountability, adding, "If the performances aren't good enough, I'll be the first one to say. I'll hold my hands up."
Restoring Harmony at a Discontented Bridge
Rosenior faces a significant challenge in uniting the club and its fanbase. Dissatisfaction with the BlueCo ownership's three-and-a-half-year tenure has been palpable. This sentiment was starkly quantified in a recent Chelsea Supporters' Trust poll, which revealed that a mere 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.
Stamford Bridge has witnessed vocal discontent throughout BlueCo's reign. Each of the ownership's three previous permanent managerial appointments – Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, and Enzo Maresca – faced fierce and often bitter criticism. None managed to capture the affection of the supporters in the manner of past title-winning managers like Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Antonio Conte.
Building a Connection Through Football
Rosenior, who attended Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Wednesday, 09 January 2026, is focused on forging a new bond with fans through the style of play he implements. He emphasised the critical role supporters play in creating a formidable home atmosphere.
"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. When you've got Stamford Bridge behind you, I've been there, it's so difficult to play there for the opposition."
His ultimate goal is clear: to create strong connections and deliver a brand of football that reignites belief and happiness at the club, urging fans to "give our players the chance to be successful."
