JUST IN: Chelsea still fully backing Liam Rosenior as head coach after today's defeat

Following Chelsea's 0-3 home loss to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the club has moved quickly to reassure supporters and the squad that head coach **Liam Rosenior** retains their full support.

Sources close to the club have told reporters that the message from the hierarchy is clear: "We want to trust this manager." Chelsea officials are mindful that Rosenior only arrived at Stamford Bridge in early January 2026 on a long-term deal running until 2032, succeeding Enzo Maresca with no pre-season preparation and limited time to fully implement his ideas with the squad.

A club insider emphasised: "He joined mid-season after managing Strasbourg, hit the ground running without the benefit of a full summer pre-season, and we've seen positive signs in his approach. Results are what matter in this industry, and we'll judge the full picture at the end of the season, but right now the backing is there."

Rosenior's tenure has been under scrutiny, particularly amid a challenging run of results and heavy defeats in some matches, but the club views his appointment as a long-term project aligned with their multi-club strategy. There is no indication of any imminent change, even as Chelsea fight to secure a top-four spot for Champions League qualification.

In his post-match comments today, Rosenior acknowledged the need for greater resilience, stating his side were competitive early on but disappointed after the break, and stressed the focus on bouncing back in upcoming fixtures, starting with Manchester United.

Fans and pundits will be watching closely how Chelsea perform in the remaining games of the 2025/26 campaign, but for now, the board's stance remains one of patience and continuity with the 41-year-old Englishman.

"Right now, we are still in the race for the top five and can win the FA Cup. I have to change it now. I need to change it now - that's why I'm here" Liam Rosenior

Manchester City scored all three goals in the second half (Nico O'Reilly, Marc Guehi, and Jeremy Doku) after a relatively even first half where Chelsea had a Cucurella goal disallowed for offside. City dominated after the break, exposing Chelsea's issues with resilience, physicality, and quick concessions.

LIAM ROSENIOR POST-MATCH INTERVIEW

### On the overall performance and game of two halves:

"Massively disappointing. City started the second half better, that can happen, but what we can't do is concede two quick goals one after another. We need more resilience in difficult moments."

"In the second half, the performance was nowhere near what we wanted. There was no frustration with the first-half, we were organised and very difficult to break down. Cucu's goal, it's an inch, I still don't know how close it is but they've made the decision. The reality now is there's too many times we go a goal down and it's quickly followed by another and that can't happen."

### On frustration and mentality issues:

"Right now, we are still in the race for the top five and can win the FA Cup. I have to change it now. I need to change it now - that's why I'm here. It's happened too many times where we've been in games with top teams."

### On physicality and summer plans (your quoted line):

**"We've had, even over the last week, very detailed conversations about what we need to look like after the summer window."** (in response to a question about physicality being an issue that needs addressing in the summer).

### On short-term success and time at the club:

"I need to win in this moment, this is a huge football club. When I first came, I never asked for a lot of time because I understand the traditions and history of this club. Even someone as experienced as Pep, or Klopp, they had a year to sort things out. I came in January. It's not an excuse, it's the reality."

### On whether Enzo Fernandez could have made a difference:

"Possibly. Hindsight, you see 20-20. Enzo is a top player and a top character and I'm looking forward to having him back next week. Sometimes you make a decision for the long term and not the short. It was a long-term decision that we were all aligned in making."

### Additional context from Rosenior's comments:

- He acknowledged the second-half collapse and the need for better resilience when leading or trailing against top sides.

- Emphasis on immediate results while building for the future, with ongoing internal discussions about squad evolution post-summer window (focusing on character, emotional stability, and physical attributes in recruitment).

- Chelsea remain in the top-five race (for Champions League qualification) and have the FA Cup as another avenue.

This was a tough result for Rosenior's side against a strong City team pushing for the title, highlighting recurring issues in high-stakes games despite a solid first-half showing. Rosenior stayed measured, owning the need for quick improvements while pointing to longer-term squad planning.

Chelsea Suffer Humiliating 3-0 Home Defeat to Manchester City as Rosenior's Stubborn Decision to Drop Enzo Fernández Backfires Spectacularly

 In what can only be described as a masterclass in self-sabotage, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior's baffling decision to leave star midfielder Enzo Fernández out of the squad for today's Premier League clash against Manchester City resulted in a limp and utterly disappointing 3-0 thrashing at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues were outplayed, outfought, and outthought in their own backyard, with goals from Nico O'Reilly (51'), Marc Guéhi (57'), and Jeremy Doku (68') handing City a comfortable victory that keeps their title hopes alive while leaving Chelsea fans in stunned silence.

Fernández, one of Chelsea's most influential and creative players, was sidelined as part of a club-imposed two-match suspension stemming from his recent comments about a potential move to Real Madrid. Despite the Argentine international issuing a full apology and clearing the air with the manager and the club, Rosenior stubbornly refused to reinstate him for this crucial fixture.

Many supporters and pundits had hoped common sense would prevail, especially against a high-pressing Manchester City side. Instead, Rosenior's rigid adherence to "internal discipline" left Chelsea's midfield toothless and overrun. Without Fernández's vision, energy, and ability to control the tempo, the home side created almost nothing of note and looked second-best throughout.

Speaking after the match, Rosenior's post-match comments did little to ease the growing frustration among the Chelsea faithful. The 41-year-old head coach defended his stance, insisting the decision was about "standards and respect for the club." But for fans watching a disjointed performance that lacked drive and midfield control, it smacked of unnecessary stubbornness bordering on stupidity.

One irate supporter summed it up on social media: "Dropping your best midfielder for a game like this because of some comments? Absolute madness. Rosenior has just handed City three points on a plate."

Chelsea's performance was flat from the start. The first half ended goalless but was dominated by City's control. Once the visitors clicked into gear after the break, the floodgates opened. Chelsea's makeshift midfield struggled to stem the tide, highlighting exactly why Fernández's absence was so keenly felt.

This result leaves Chelsea languishing in mid-table territory, their season rapidly fading into irrelevance under a manager who seems more interested in making a point than picking the strongest possible team.

Questions are now being asked loudly: Is Liam Rosenior the right man to take this Chelsea side forward, or is his inexperience and inflexibility costing the club dearly? Fans who were initially hopeful after his appointment in January are quickly losing patience.

A very disappointing afternoon for everyone connected with Chelsea. The only winners today were Manchester City — and Rosenior's pride.

Chelsea Suffer Historic Premier League Drought as Three Consecutive Scoreless Defeats Mark First Such Sequence Since March 1998

Chelsea fc has endured a challenging run in the Premier League, suffering three consecutive defeats without scoring a goal for the first time since March 1998.

The Blues fell to a 0-1 defeat away to Newcastle United on 14 March 2026, followed by a 0-3 home loss to Everton on 21 March 2026, and most recently a 0-3 defeat to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. These results represent a significant slump in attacking output under head coach Liam Rosenior, who took charge of the team in January 2026.

This sequence marks the first time Chelsea have lost three straight Premier League matches without finding the net since a similar barren run in March 1998. Despite the recent setbacks, Chelsea currently sit in a competitive mid-table position in the 2025/26 Premier League standings with 48 points from 31 matches, reflecting a mixed season that has included both strong performances and periods of inconsistency.

Manchester City beat Chelsea with 3 goals at Stamford Bridge!

 The Blues succumbed to our third consecutive Premier League defeat as a ruthless second-half performance from Manchester City proved enough for the visitors to leave Stamford Bridge with all three points.

The Blues enjoyed the better chances, although not the possession, in the opening period. We had the ball in the net too, after Marc Cucurella finished following good work from Joao Pedro. However, the offside flag came to City's aid.

Yet early into the second period, Nico O'Reilly headed the visitors in front. A second arrived soon after as Marc Guehi drilled a shot into the far corner. Rayan Cherki was the architect for both goals.

The Blues looked to fashion a response, but Jeremy Doku guided home a third for the visitors to ensure they left west London with a victory.

Carrying a threat

Rosenior made two changes to the side that started our FA Cup quarter-final victory over Port Vale. Marc Cucurella came into the side for Tosin Adarabioyo, which saw Jorrel Hato move into centre-back, and Moises Caicedo replaced Romeo Lavia in midfield.

City, in need of three points to close the gap to top-flight leaders Arsenal, started with purpose. Yet after coming through five minutes of pressure through possession, the Blues fashioned the early chances.

The first came from Palmer, who drove into the City area and fired into the side netting. Joao Pedro did the same soon after, before Palmer had another effort deflected into the hands of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

City regained their composure and again enjoyed a period with the ball in Chelsea's half. However, Robert Sanchez was untested as the Chelsea defence restricted the visitors.

Denied an opener

When the Blues broke forward and then maintained possession in the City half, chances followed. In the 16th minute, we appeared to have broken the deadlock when a wonderful slaloming run from Joao Pedro saw him skip past several defenders and slide a pass to Cucurella.

The Spaniard finished confidently, only for the assistant referee to raise his flag. VAR confirmed the Chelsea full-back had strayed just offside. It was a let-off for Pep Guardiola's side.

We didn't relent, though, and another burst forward followed. This time, Estevao raked a crossfield pass to Neto, who cut inside, powered past Rodri, and drove a shot low that Donnarumma had to save.

City pressure

The final 15 minutes of the opening period were predominantly played in the Chelsea half, and the visitors twice worked Sanchez. The Blues goalkeeper first produced a smart reaction stop to deny an effort from Bernardo Silva after a smart cutback from O'Reilly.

Sanchez then produced a routine stop to hold an effort from Cherki, before Antonie Semenyo had an effort deflected wide of the post by Andrey Santos.

The Brazilian then registered the final effort of the first half, as he connected to a deep Pedro Neto free-kick at the back post. Yet his header cleared the crossbar and the contest was goalless at the break.

Quickfire double

City picked up from where they left off after the restart. There was a sight of goal for Erling Haaland, but an excellent Hato denied the striker. Cherki then saw a shot flash across Sanchez's goal.

The pressure from Guardiola's side did eventually pay off, though. Six minutes after the restart, Cherki flighted a cross into the Chelsea penalty area and O'Reilly was able to outmuscle Andrey Santos and plant his header beyond Sanchez.

City went in search of a quick second and Cucurella was forced into smart defensive work to deflect a shot wide from Semenyo. It was only a temporary reprieve, though.

Six minutes after going ahead, City added a second. Cherki was the creator again, as he collected a shot corner, evaded two challenges on the edge of our box, and slipped the ball through to Guehi. The centre-back steadied himself and finished confidently into the far corner.

Decisive third

The Blues needed to score the next goal. We fashioned an opportunity, too, as a Cucurella cutback found Palmer, but his goalbound effort was deflected wide. From the resulting corner, Donnarumma punched a header from Hato clear.

Rosenior turned to his bench. Romeo Lavia and Alejandro Garnacho were introduced, with Andrey Santos and Estevao replaced. Yet before they could impact the game, City struck the killer third goal.

It was avoidable on the part of the Blues, as Caicedo was robbed of possession by Doku in our defensive third, and the City winger broke forward and finished.

The Blues continued in search of a goal; Cucurella flashed a shot wide from distance. Abdukodir Khusanov did the same for City soon after, and Sanchez denied Semenyo as the game moved toward its conclusion.

Rosenior made another double change in the final ten minutes, with Dario Essugo and Liam Delap introduced for Caicedo and Joao Pedro.

We then forced Donnarumma into a smart stop, as Cucurella was denied from close range following an intelligent Lavia pass. The Italian goalkeeper then reacted well to keep out a Palmer free-kick.

Eight minutes were added for stoppages, during which Haaland was denied by Sanchez in what proved the final meaningful moment of a disappointing afternoon for the Blues.

What comes next...

The second in our Manchester double-header comes next weekend, as we welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge next Saturday for an 8pm kick-off.

The teams

Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto (Acheampong 88), Fofana, Hato, Cucurella; Andrey Santos (Lavia 67), Caicedo (c) (Essugo 81); Estevao (Garnacho 67), Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro (Delap 81)Chelsea substitutes: Sharman-Lowe, Tosin, Sarr, GuiuBooked: Estevao 12, Essugo 90+8

Manchester City: Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly (Ait-Nouri 64); Bernardo Silva (Kovacic 81), Rodri; Semenyo, Cherki (Foden 76), Doku (Savinho 76); Haaland

Manchester City substitutes: Trafford, Ake, Reijinders, Gonzalez, Marmoush

Goalscorers: O'Reilly 51, Guehi 57, Doku 68

Booked: Semenyo 38,

Attendance: TBC

Source: Chelsea fc 

Chelsea FC’s Continued Collapse: 3-0 Down at Home to Manchester City as Liam Rosenior’s Tenure and BlueCo Ownership Accelerate the Erosion of a Historic Legacy

Chelsea FC Plunged into Further Crisis: Humiliating 3-0 Home Defeat to Manchester City Exposes Deep-Rooted Decline Under Manager Liam Rosenior and New Ownership

Chelsea Football Club suffered yet another damaging blow to its once-proud legacy this afternoon as it fell 3-0 behind to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, with the scoreline reflecting a performance devoid of fight, cohesion, or tactical intelligence. The defeat, witnessed by a stunned home crowd of over 40,000 supporters, marks the latest chapter in a prolonged run of poor form that has left the club teetering on the edge of irrelevance in the Premier League.

The Blues have now failed to win in their last eight competitive fixtures across all competitions, conceding 19 goals in the process while scoring just four. Today’s match followed a familiar and painful pattern: early City dominance, clinical finishing from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, and a Chelsea side that appeared disconnected, lacking leadership on the pitch and direction from the technical area. By the 35th minute the game was effectively over, with fans beginning to stream out of the famous Shed End well before the final whistle.

This result is not an anomaly but the direct consequence of decisions made at the highest levels of the club. Since Liam Rosenior was appointed as head coach in the summer of 2025 by the club’s new ownership group, Chelsea’s identity as a competitive, high-pressing, and tactically flexible Premier League force has been systematically dismantled. Rosenior, previously praised for his work at Hull City, has struggled to adapt his patient, possession-based philosophy to the ruthless demands of top-flight English football. His insistence on a slow build-up from the back has left the team vulnerable to counter-attacks, while repeated changes in formation and personnel have left players uncertain of their roles.

Key signings brought in under the new regime have failed to integrate, with several high-profile arrivals already rumoured to be unsettled or openly critical in private. Squad morale is reported to be at an all-time low, with senior players privately questioning the manager’s methods. Rosenior’s post-match comments following recent defeats — often deflecting blame onto “individual errors” or “bad luck” — have done little to inspire confidence among supporters or the dressing room.

Compounding the on-pitch failures is the stewardship of the club’s new owner, whose arrival was initially met with cautious optimism but has since been widely blamed for eroding the very foundations that made Chelsea a global powerhouse. The ownership’s approach has prioritised short-term commercial gains and data-driven recruitment models over the club’s historic footballing culture. Massive spending in the transfer market has not translated into results; instead, it has created a bloated, imbalanced squad with little sense of identity or loyalty to the badge.

The new owner’s decision to appoint Rosenior — bypassing more experienced and proven candidates — is now viewed by many as a catastrophic error that has accelerated the club’s decline. Long-standing traditions, from the passionate atmosphere at Stamford Bridge to the development of academy talent into first-team stars, have been sidelined in favour of a corporate, metrics-obsessed model that feels alien to Chelsea’s DNA.

Chelsea’s glittering legacy — five Premier League titles, two Champions League triumphs, and a reputation for producing heroes such as John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and Gianfranco Zola — is being dismantled in plain sight. What was once a club defined by resilience, tactical innovation, and a never-say-die spirit has become synonymous with instability, fan disillusionment, and on-field mediocrity. Supporters, who have remained fiercely loyal through previous ownership upheavals, are now openly voicing their anger on social media and in the stands, with chants against the manager and ownership growing louder each week.

A club statement released earlier today offered the usual platitudes about “working through challenges” and “long-term vision,” but failed to address the immediate crisis or offer any concrete plan for recovery. With the season still having several crucial fixtures remaining, the risk of finishing outside the European places — or worse — is becoming a very real possibility.

The continued poor form is not merely a bad patch; it represents a fundamental betrayal of everything Chelsea Football Club has stood for over the past two decades. Unless radical change occurs at both managerial and ownership level, the club risks becoming a cautionary tale of how ambition without understanding, and investment without identity, can destroy even the greatest of institutions.

CHELSEA DISPLAY DISCIPLINE AND THREAT AS THEY GO IN LEVEL AT THE BREAK AGAINST MANCHESTER CITY

Chelsea produced a disciplined and competitive first-half performance against Premier League title challengers Manchester City, with the sides locked at 0-0 at half-time in front of a passionate Stamford Bridge crowd.  

The Blues matched a strong City outfit stride for stride in a tightly contested opening 45 minutes that featured few clear-cut chances for either side. Chelsea showed organisation, defensive resilience and moments of real quality on the counter, frustrating Pep Guardiola’s side and arguably edging the territorial battle at times.  

Managerial staff and players will head into the interval satisfied with their work but fully focused on building on the platform created. The game remains perfectly poised heading into the second period.  

**Key moments and individual performances**  

In goal, **Robert Sánchez** was alert and commanding, producing important saves to deny close-range efforts from Bernardo Silva and Rayan Cherki, maintaining a clean sheet and giving the team a solid foundation.  

Defensively, the back four – **Marc Cucurella**, **Jorrel Hato**, **Wesley Fofana** and **Malo Gusto** – were well-drilled and difficult to break down. Cucurella was particularly lively, nearly giving Chelsea the lead when he found the net only for the effort to be correctly ruled out for offside. The left-back’s energy and forward runs set a positive tone.  

In midfield, **Moisés Caicedo** and **Andrey Santos** provided a strong defensive screen while offering progressive passing options. Santos went close late in the half with a header from a **Pedro Neto** cross following a set-piece, showing the growing threat the Brazilian is posing in an attacking sense.  

**Pedro Neto** was a constant outlet on the right, delivering dangerous crosses and winning key duels, while **Cole Palmer** and young forward **Estêvão** combined creativity and composure to stretch City’s defence. Leading striker **João Pedro** was involved in several promising moves, including winning a free-kick in a dangerous area deep in City territory just before the break.  

Overall, Chelsea’s shape held firm, their pressing was intelligent, and their transition play carried a genuine threat. The Blues have nullified much of City’s usual rhythm and will now look to capitalise on any second-half openings.  

The second half is expected to be even more open, and Chelsea are ready to push for the three points in front of their home supporters.  

**Match details**  

Chelsea 0-0 Manchester City (Half-Time)  

Premier League – Matchweek 32  

Stamford Bridge  

**Line-up:** Sánchez; Cucurella, Hato, Fofana, Gusto; Caicedo, Santos; Neto, Palmer, Estêvão; João Pedro.  

Confirmed Chelsea line up vs Manchester City

 Liam Rosenior has made two changes to his Chelsea side for this afternoon's Premier League clash with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

After a commanding 7-0 victory over Port Vale that secured our place in the FA Cup semi-finals last time out, the Blues return to top-flight action for the first time in three weeks and are aiming to claim three points in our pursuit of Champions League qualification.

Robert Sanchez starts between the posts for the Blues once more and is set to be protected by a back four that consists of Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel and Marc Cucurella.

With Enzo Fernandez unavailable, Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo, who captains the side, start in our midfield.

Estevao Willian begins his first Premier League game since early February, and will be deployed in an attack that also includes Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro.

Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella; Andrey Santos, Caicedo (c); Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro

Chelsea substitutes: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Tosin, Sarr, Essugo, Lavia, Garnacho, Guiu, Delap

Rosenior tends to bring out the best from Joao Pedro

 Liam Rosenior has explained why he is demanding a lot from Joao Pedro to help push our striker to fulfil his undeniable potential by continuing to go from strength to strength at Chelsea.

Joao Pedro has spoken recently himself about his debut campaign in west London since joining the Blues last summer, midway through our triumphant FIFA Club World Cup campaign, describing it as one of the best seasons of his life.

He made an instant impact at that tournament and has continued to impress, particularly thriving at Stamford Bridge under the leadership of Rosenior, since our head coach’s own arrival in January.

The Brazilian is just one shy of 20 goals for Chelsea in all competitions since the start of 2025/26 – not including the three he got in the USA over the summer – making him our top scorer, and when you include assists he has provided 13 goal contributions in his last 10 Premier League appearances.

Rosenior believes there is still plenty more to come from the 24-year-old Braziian, though, in what could be a big year for club and country, and explained how he is challenging the striker to continue reaching new heights for the Blues and Selecao.

'Joao is someone that everybody knows has got extreme potential, but now he's at an age where he has to go on and fulfil that potential,’ said Rosenior.

'Nothing would make me happier than to see him score more goals, help us win the FA Cup and qualify for the Champions League, and wear the No9 shirt for Brazil in the World Cup.

'I've challenged him. I'm demanding of him. So far, he's taken up that challenge really, really well.'

Joao Pedro won’t need to wait long for his next chance to show Rosenior what he can do, as we host Manchester City in a huge Premier League match at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, which kicks off at 4.30pm.

Geovany Quenda’s arrival will bring a new dimension to the Chelsea team

Geovany Quenda is set to officially join Chelsea FC in the summer of 2026 (July) for the 2026/27 season after a pre-agreed £40-44m transfer from Sporting CP was confirmed in March 2025.** He remains at Sporting until the end of the current campaign to complete the 2025/26 season, but the move is fully signed and sealed.

Quenda (now 18) has already begun integrating with Chelsea. He has spent recent months at the club’s Cobham training base recovering from a fifth metatarsal foot fracture (sustained in December 2025), working with Chelsea’s medical staff in collaboration with Sporting. While there, he has:

- Learned English

- Sorted his housing for next season

- Met future head coach Liam Rosenior and Chelsea players/staff

Chelsea have two detailed integration plans ready for him this summer — one if he makes Portugal’s senior squad for the summer internationals, and another if not. He is widely viewed internally as a first-team ready prospect and one of the top under-23 wingers in world football.

### Best position

Quenda is **a left-footed right winger by trade**, known for explosive pace, elite dribbling, quick changes of direction, and strong final-ball delivery. He has also shown versatility across both flanks, as a left midfielder, and occasionally as a right wing-back (under former Sporting coach Ruben Amorim). However, Chelsea plan to use him **exclusively as a pure winger** (higher up the pitch) rather than in a defensive wing-back role. Recent reports suggest he is **more likely to be deployed on the left wing** at Chelsea to complement other right-sided attackers like Estevao.

### Expected impact once he arrives next season (2026/27)

Although he has not yet played a competitive minute for Chelsea, expectations are very high. Club sources and scouts describe him as a “top-three U-23 winger globally” with Cristiano Ronaldo-like explosiveness and decision-making. Chelsea see him as an immediate first-team contributor who can add directness, creativity, and goal threat to the attack. Reports already talk up his potential to become a fan favourite quickly and even challenge for big games (e.g. against Arsenal in Europe). His early Cobham work and the club’s proactive planning signal they expect him to hit the ground running rather than needing a long adaptation period.

In short: Quenda is one of the most exciting young talents Chelsea have secured in recent years. The hype is genuine, the deal is done, and all signs point to him making a major attacking impact from day one in the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Manchester city goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma states it’s never easy playing at Stamford Bridge

 Chelsea lost their last home match in the Premier League, with Newcastle United beating them 1-0 before the March international break.

Donnarumma, though, has claimed that going to Stamford Bridge is always tough in a warning to his teammates.

In an interview that has been shared by City’s official club website, the goalkeeper said: “It’s always going to be a complicated game [at Chelsea]. It will be a difficult game because going there to play is never easy.”

The last time City travelled to the Bridge, they beat Chelsea 2-0. That was Enzo Maresca’s first league game in charge of the Blues, and they actually managed to put in a good performance despite the final scoreline.

Romeo Lavia was excellent against City that day and could make a positive impact again if given the opportunity on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea’s home record this season

In the past, Stamford Bridge has been a fortress. Right now, though, Donnarumma really does not need to be too fearful.

As per WhoScored, Chelsea are only 12th in the Premier League table for home form. From the 15 games that the Club World Cup winners have played so far, they have won just six matches. In total, Chelsea have amassed 23 points at home.

Their away form has been better. The Conference League holders are actually second in the Premier League table with 25 points. Away from home, they have won seven games, drawn four and lost five.

One of those draws came against City at the Etihad. Based on the above, maybe it would be better if they were playing there instead.

Source: Chelsea Chronicles

Liam Rosenior Addresses Chelsea’s Inconsistency: “Profiling the Group Right Takes Time”

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has spoken candidly about the challenges of building consistency at the club, emphasizing the need for the right player profiles, game management, and squad evolution just three months into his tenure.

Rosenior, who was appointed head coach in January 2026 on a long-term contract, inherited a talented but transitional squad. Chelsea have shown flashes of high-quality football under his leadership but have also experienced periods of inconsistency, including notable results in domestic and European competitions.0

In a recent interview, Rosenior highlighted the multifaceted work required to shape the team:

“We have to get the profiling right of the group. That’s not just down to experience, it’s down to types of player, how we manage game management, value in set plays, value in intensity at times.

They’re all things that take time. I’ve been there for three months to put into the group, but I’ve learned a lot, and I learned more now in terms of how I can help this group improve.”

The 41-year-old coach, who previously led Strasbourg to European qualification in his first season there, stressed that sustainable success at a club like Chelsea demands patience and deliberate squad development alongside immediate competitiveness.

“Building a cohesive unit isn’t instantaneous,” Rosenior added in related comments. “We’re focusing on creating a foundation that delivers consistent success over the long term while competing for trophies now.”

Chelsea sit in a competitive position in the Premier League standings and remain active in cup competitions, with Rosenior’s side known for their high-energy pressing, possession-based approach, and emphasis on player unity and bravery on the ball.

The club backs Rosenior’s vision as he continues to implement his philosophy, with summer recruitment expected to focus on players who fit the desired profile for emotional stability, intensity, and tactical fit.

Watch: Last time out against City in the Premier League

 PL Matchday 20 - Extended highlights of Chelsea's 1-1 Premier League draw against Manchester City at the Eithad Stadium.

Chelsea Face Manchester City Test: Injury Crisis Hits Hard, But Youthful Talent Offers Hope at Stamford Bridge

 As Chelsea prepare to host title-chasing Manchester City in a high-stakes Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, manager Liam Rosenior faces a significant squad headache. While the Blues have shown flashes of brilliance this season — including a dominant 7-0 FA Cup win over Port Vale in midweek — an extensive injury list and key absences have tested the depth of the squad.

Despite the challenges, Rosenior’s side enters the fixture with belief. Chelsea’s mix of established stars and exciting young talents has the quality to compete against Pep Guardiola’s City, particularly at home. The match offers a chance for emerging players to step up and prove they can handle the intensity of a top-of-the-table showdown.

### Chelsea’s Current Injury List and Unavailable Players

Chelsea will be without at least seven first-team players for today’s game, with several others carrying doubts. Here is the full picture ahead of kick-off:

**Confirmed unavailable / Out:**

- **Enzo Fernández** (suspended): Club-imposed ban following controversial comments during the international break about a potential move to Real Madrid. He is expected to miss this match and possibly one more.

- **Mykhailo Mudryk** (doping ban): Suspended and unavailable for selection.

- **Reece James** (hamstring/thigh): Captain has been back on grass but remains sidelined; unlikely to feature until late April at the earliest.

- **Levi Colwill** (knee/ACL): Long-term absentee still recovering from surgery; potential return in May.

- **Jamie Gittens** (thigh/hamstring): Suffered another setback in training; out for the foreseeable future.

- **Filip Jørgensen** (groin): Goalkeeper ruled out; expected back mid-to-late April.

- **Trevoh Chalobah** (ankle): Recent injury sustained in European action; return targeted for early May.

**Doubtful:**

- **Benoît Badiashile** (illness): Under assessment but unlikely to start.

No fresh injuries were reported in Rosenior’s pre-match press conference, which is a small mercy after a hectic period. The defensive line in particular looks stretched, with Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo expected to form the back four alongside Marc Cucurella.

### Squad Quality and the Opportunity for Youth to Shine

Chelsea’s squad still possesses genuine quality to trouble Manchester City. With Robert Sánchez in goal, Moisés Caicedo anchoring midfield, and Cole Palmer pulling the strings in attack, the Blues have match-winners throughout the side. The home crowd at Stamford Bridge will provide the extra edge against a City team also missing key defenders Ruben Dias (hamstring) and Josko Gvardiol (long-term tibial fracture), with John Stones a doubt.

- **Andrey Santos (Midfield)**: The Brazilian has impressed in recent appearances and is expected to partner Caicedo in central midfield in the predicted XI. Santos offers energy, defensive bite, and progressive passing that can disrupt City’s rhythm. Fans and pundits alike have highlighted him as one of the players ready to “step up” in Fernández’s absence, providing the balance Chelsea need against Rodri and Bernardo Silva.

- **Estêvão Willian (Attack)**: The highly-rated young Brazilian winger/attacking midfielder returns to full fitness after a strong recent showing. Versatile and technically gifted, Estêvão can operate on either flank or behind the striker. His creativity and direct running have already earned comparisons to past Chelsea greats, and he is tipped to start on the right or left in a front three alongside Neto and João Pedro. His ability to unlock compact defences could be vital today.

- **João Pedro (Striker)**: The forward has been in excellent form and is almost certain to lead the line. Clinical in front of goal and strong in link-up play, Pedro gives Chelsea a focal point that can stretch City’s rearguard. With 98% of fans backing him in recent polls for the starting XI, his movement and finishing could prove the difference in what is expected to be an open, attacking contest.

Rosenior’s predicted starting XI reflects this youthful injection:  

**Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Estêvão; João Pedro.**

### A Defining Afternoon at the Bridge

This fixture is more than just three points — it is a statement of Chelsea’s ambition under Rosenior. While the injury list is undeniably heavy, the squad depth and the hunger of Santos, Estêvão, and João Pedro provide genuine reasons for optimism. City may be chasing the title, but Chelsea have the quality and the platform at home to cause an upset.

Kick-off is at 4:30pm BST. Stay tuned for live updates, reaction, and post-match analysis right here. Come on you Blues!

Liam Rosenior has urged his Chelsea players to express and impose themselves against Manchester City this afternoon

 Liam Rosenior has urged his Chelsea players to express and impose themselves against Manchester City this afternoon, adding the Blues must 'take the game to them in our way'.

After the international break and our FA Cup sojourn last week, which saw us reach the competition's semi-finals by overcoming Port Vale, our focus has turned back to top-flight action as we welcome Pep Guardiola's side to west London.

For the Blues, the game represents an opportunity to get back to winning ways in the Premier League and claim an important three points in our bid to secure Champions League qualification. For City, victory is imperative if they are to keep the heat on leaders Arsenal.

Results have been hard to come by against Guardiola's side in recent seasons; our last victory over City came when we defeated them to claim the Champions League in Porto.

Yet while Rosenior appreciates the quality possessed by the Manchester side, his focus is on ensuring the Blues are proactive in their approach to the contest.

'I don't think it's about stopping them,' Rosenior explained. It's about trying to win the game, and it's about playing your way.

'Obviously, you can talk about the many strengths that they have, how well coached they are, and their understanding. They've been together for a long time, but we're at home and we want to take the game to them in our way and make sure that we express ourselves in the way that I think we're capable of.'

City's visit to SW6 firmly starts the season run-in. The Blues have seven Premier League games to play and will also travel to Wembley later this month to face Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-finals.

However, Rosenior is not looking beyond our next opponent, an approach that he has stressed his players to follow in the weeks ahead.

'That's what we've spoken about this week,' he said. 'We need to focus on each game and not think about the bigger target too much.

'If we do that, we're in a really, really good position to go on and have a good season.'

Source: Chelsea fc