Liam Rosenior has officially taken the reins at Chelsea, stepping into the role vacated by Enzo Maresca with the club's clear target of Champions League qualification this season hanging in the balance. The new manager inherits a significant in-tray of issues that require urgent attention, both on the pitch and in how he manages the intense scrutiny that comes with moving from sister club Strasbourg.
The Possession Paradox: Winning Without the Ball
Rosenior arrives with a philosophy built on controlling games through possession and defensive stability, a key factor in his appointment. However, Chelsea's recent record with the ball makes for concerning reading. On five occasions this season under Maresca, Chelsea had 65% possession or more but failed to win any of those games, drawing with Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Brentford, and losing to Leeds and Sunderland.
Their only two victories with over 58% possession came against Wolves and West Ham, sides battling relegation. Paradoxically, Chelsea have often looked more effective with less of the ball, securing wins against Liverpool, Tottenham, and Everton with sub-58% possession. Rosenior's first task is to make Chelsea's dominance count, transforming sterile control into decisive results.
Ending the Stamford Bridge Charity
If Rosenior is to rebuild a connection with a disillusioned fanbase, he must first make Stamford Bridge a fortress again. Chelsea fans have dubbed their side 'Charity FC' after dropping 15 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, with most of those collapses occurring at home.
A league table based solely on home form would place Chelsea a dismal 13th, while their away record is worthy of the top four. Key failures include surrendering leads against Brentford, Brighton, Sunderland, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth. Stopping this generosity is non-negotiable for the new boss.
Managing the Message and Maximising Palmer
Off the pitch, Rosenior's articulate and media-savvy nature will be a vital asset in a climate where managerial comments are heavily scrutinised. His understanding of the BlueCo model positions him well to communicate the club's vision clearly, avoiding the pitfalls that ensnared his predecessor.
On the field, a primary concern is reigniting Cole Palmer's world-class form. While brilliant in flashes, such as the Club World Cup final, Palmer has too often been subdued. Rosenior must find a system to unleash him consistently, while also heeding medical advice on the player's workload—an area where Maresca was criticised.
Finally, Rosenior must address a persistent discipline problem. Under Maresca, Chelsea accumulated numerous needless yellow cards, with Liam Delap and Moises Caicedo among the chief culprits. Cutting out silly cautions will be crucial, especially for a player like Delap, whom Rosenior knows well from their time together at Hull. The path to the Champions League is clear, but it requires fixing these fundamental flaws without delay.
