Why Does Rosenior Believe Chelsea Doesn’t Need Major Changes?

Liam Rosenior has made history as the first Chelsea manager to win their opening game since Antonio Conte in 2016, leading the team to a 5-1 victory over Charlton in the FA Cup third round. This match marks a significant moment for Chelsea, reflecting the potential for change and improvement under Rosenior, who emphasised the importance of intensity and team spirit despite making few tactical adjustments before the game.

Last updated: 01 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Following a challenging start to the season, Chelsea's new head coach, Liam Rosenior, has taken the reins with a clear focus on building upon the existing framework laid by his predecessor, Enzo Maresca. Rosenior, who was appointed to leverage his understanding of the club's multi-club model, oversaw a convincing win, signalling a potential turning point for the team. His emphasis on team spirit and intensity marks a shift in approach, aiming to address previous inconsistencies in performance.

Key takeaways

Liam Rosenior is the first Chelsea manager to win his opening match since 2016.
Rosenior focused on team spirit and intensity rather than tactical changes before the match.
The team displayed resilience after struggling to maintain leads in previous matches.
Defender Jorrel Hato was a standout performer, scoring the opening goal.
Supporters continue to express discontent with club ownership, posing challenges for Rosenior.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the beginning of the current season, Chelsea has faced several ups and downs. Here’s a brief timeline of significant events leading to Rosenior's appointment:

August 2023: Enzo Maresca is appointed as Chelsea head coach.
September 2023: Chelsea struggles in the Premier League, dropping points from winning positions.
30 September 2023: Rosenior is appointed as head coach and leads Chelsea to a 5-1 victory against Charlton in the FA Cup.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Rosenior's first match as Chelsea manager showcased a renewed focus on intensity and team spirit. While no significant tactical changes were made ahead of the match, the performance highlighted the players’ potential under his guidance. The team's ability to score five goals indicates a positive trend, although there are areas for improvement, particularly in defensive set-pieces.

What was already established

Prior to Rosenior's appointment, Chelsea had been struggling, particularly in maintaining leads during matches. The team dropped 15 points from winning positions in the Premier League and had only one victory in their last nine league matches. This context set the stage for Rosenior's challenge, emphasising the need for a change in mindset and approach.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For Chelsea supporters and local businesses, Rosenior's appointment and the team's performance can have a positive impact on morale and engagement. A strong showing in upcoming matches could lead to increased attendance and spending around Stamford Bridge, benefiting local shops and services.

Businesses and jobs

With potential improvements in team performance, Chelsea may see an uptick in merchandising sales and ticket revenues, providing a boost to the club's financial health. This could also positively affect job security for those working within the club and its associated businesses.

Policy and regulation

The ongoing protests from fans regarding club ownership may prompt discussions among the Chelsea board about the future direction of the club. Rosenior's success will be closely monitored, and how he navigates the challenges posed by discontent among the fanbase could influence future club policies.

Numbers that matter

5: Goals scored by Chelsea in their opening match under Rosenior.
1: Number of matches won by Chelsea in their last nine league fixtures before the victory.
15: Points dropped from winning positions in the Premier League this season.
37 million: The fee for summer signing Jorrel Hato from Ajax, who scored in the match.
6: Upcoming matches in October that will test Rosenior against top teams.

Definitions and jargon buster

FA Cup: An annual knockout football competition in England, open to all eligible clubs.
Multi-club model: A strategy where a parent club owns multiple clubs to share resources and player development.
Set-pieces: Planned plays during dead-ball situations, such as corners or free-kicks.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Rosenior will need to focus on maintaining the positive momentum from the victory against Charlton. Addressing defensive vulnerabilities, especially during set-pieces, will be critical as they prepare for tougher opponents.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, Rosenior must establish a consistent playing style that maximises the team's strengths while addressing weaknesses. Building team chemistry and resilience will be essential as Chelsea faces a packed fixture schedule.

Signals to watch

Performance in upcoming matches against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
Player fitness and injury management, particularly for key players like Reece James and Cole Palmer.
Fan sentiment and attendance at Stamford Bridge, reflecting the supporters' trust in the management.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage players to maintain high intensity during matches.
Focus on improving defensive set-pieces in training sessions.
Monitor player fitness closely to avoid further injuries.

Don’t

Ignore fan sentiments; engage with supporters to rebuild trust.
Overlook the importance of team chemistry during a busy schedule.
Neglect tactical adjustments as the season progresses.

Checklist

Assess player performances and contributions after each match.
Evaluate defensive strategies, especially during set-pieces.
Engage with fans regularly to gauge support and address concerns.
Monitor injury reports and manage player rotations effectively.
Create a clear tactical plan for upcoming challenging fixtures.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Rosenior's start has been promising, there are several uncertainties to consider. The team's long-standing issues with maintaining leads and defensive vulnerabilities remain unresolved. Additionally, fan protests against ownership may pose a distraction, impacting player morale and performance if not addressed. Upcoming matches against top-tier teams will serve as a critical test for Rosenior's strategies and adaptability.

Bottom line

Rosenior's inaugural victory as Chelsea's head coach represents a fresh start for the club. His focus on intensity and team spirit, combined with a need for tactical refinement, sets the stage for potential improvement. However, the challenges posed by fan discontent and upcoming fixtures against formidable opponents will require careful navigation to ensure sustained success.

FAQs

How did Chelsea perform under Liam Rosenior's management?

Under Liam Rosenior, Chelsea achieved a significant 5-1 victory in his first match, indicating a potential turnaround for the team.

What are the main challenges facing Chelsea this season?

Major challenges include maintaining leads, improving defensive set-pieces, and addressing fan discontent regarding club ownership.

What are the upcoming fixtures for Chelsea?

Chelsea's upcoming fixtures include matches against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and Brentford in the Premier League, crucial tests for Rosenior's management.