Behdad Eghbali has told Chelsea supporters that owners BlueCo are learning from their mistakes and are committed to bringing consistent success back to Stamford Bridge.

Behdad Eghbali has told Chelsea supporters that owners BlueCo are learning from their mistakes and are committed to bringing consistent success back to Stamford Bridge.

Disaffected fans will stage a protest march ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, organised by NotAProjectCFC and incorporating supporter representatives of BlueCo sister club Strasbourg in an attempt to mobilise opposition to the consortium led by Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly.

In the final stretch of the fourth season since they acquired the club from Roman Abramovich for £2.3billion in June 2022, Chelsea are sliding down the Premier League table under head coach Liam Rosenior and face the prospect of missing out on Champions League qualification with a youthful squad assembled at historically vast expense.

Speaking at CAA’s World Congress of Sports conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, Clearlake co-founder Eghbali admitted that BlueCo are still looking to improve their ownership strategy, but reiterated that they care about maintaining Chelsea’s modern standards of consistently competing for the biggest trophies.

“For the fans, we care,” he said. “We want the club to be successful. We’re focused on delivering that on-pitch performance. I think six months ago everyone was super-happy. Results have been mixed, disappointing more recently. There’s a full reflection on what we can do better, what we can improve on.

“There is a plan. We reflect on the plan. We try to improve the plan and tweak the plan if it’s not working. The message is we’re committed.

“Can this be successful without winning? The answer is no. We’ve got to win. And it doesn’t mean you’re going to win every game, it doesn’t mean you don’t make mistakes, that you don’t have downturns, but ultimately the objective, and especially the objective that a club like Chelsea is you’ve got to win, you’ve got to win trophies, and you’ve got to win consistently again.

“We were fortunate enough to do so last year. We’ve had a bit of an up and down year this year, but the objective hasn’t changed.”

A huge reason for the downturn in Chelsea’s season was the abrupt departure of head coach Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day. “Our policy has been no in-season changes,” Eghbali added.

“You certainly review and hold not only the manager, but the management team, the sporting team, accountable, but typically in the summers, not in season.

“It’s not a change we wanted to make. It’s a change that had a bit of a negative impact in the season, when you’re changing systems and personnel, and it’s one we’ve got to fight our way out of.

“We still have six matches in the Premier League, and an FA Cup semi final coming up. So hopefully the story of this season hasn’t been written yet, and you’ve got a lot to fight for. In my perspective, when you get punched in the face, you’ve got to fight back, you’ve got to stand up and fight. And it’s going to hopefully show a lot about the character of this squad.

“I think the perspective is stability, and frankly, getting that stability on the manager side is one of the things we haven’t done right yet, and it’s something we’re striving to improve on.”

Chelsea replaced Enzo Maresca with Liam Rosenior in JanuaryAdrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images

Maresca’s replacement Rosenior has won just one of his last six matches across all competitions, but Eghbali confirmed the former Strasbourg boss retains the support of the board and sporting leadership.

“On Liam, we had the opportunity to work with him daily for 18 plus months, so we knew what we were getting,” Eghbali said. “We think he has every attribute to be successful here. He got off to a great start. We’ve had a tough past five, six matches, but I think we’re behind Liam. Of course, it’s a results business, but we think he can be successful long term.”

Chelsea’s recent struggles have also drawn more criticism to their heavily youth-oriented recruitment. Eghbali signalled that the club are ready to target players equipped to make an immediate impact in this summer’s transfer market.

“The view was to recruit and build elite players that can, frankly, be together and have that stability in the squad,” Eghbali said. “We’re still in the 40th, 50th minute of that process. But the view is to keep, sign and retain and compensate and extend some of the world’s best players, and ultimately the view was you need, eight, 10, 12, 15 elite players to win and win sustainably, year after year.

“I think we’ve done a few things right, a lot of things right. We’ve got to be better on a few things, to add more ready-made players at this part of the project, to take (it ) to the next level, to be consistent over time.

“We recognise we need balance. We have world champions, we have Champions League winners, we have elite, elite young players. Experience has developed now. The team has been together for two or three years. The objective is to keep your best players, and we’ve done that, and there’s no intention to rebuild every three or four years. You tweak a model, you improve, you learn from mistakes.

“Our goal is to have elite, elite players on the pitch, elite characters off the pitch that our fans can bond with, that will be at the club, that will be club legends for the next 10 or 15 years and beyond. I think, generally, we’ve been fortunate, not in getting everything right, but we do have a core (of) good players, global players. Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Levi Colwill, Estevao Willian, Reece James.

“The view is now that we’re here with a great core base, to add some of that experience, to take the team to the next level and have consistency. That fact is not lost on us, and we’re at a point where we can take that next step, hopefully in the next year and beyond.”

Rosenior: ‘We have to take advantage of this moment’

 Liam Rosenior believes Saturday’s game against Manchester United provides the Blues with an ideal opportunity to make up ground on one of the other teams vying for Champions League qualification.

Chelsea have six league fixtures remaining, starting with the visit of the Reds, who sit three places and seven points above us in the table.

A victory at the Bridge would narrow that gap and provide Rosenior’s side with some much-needed momentum heading into the final few weeks of the season. Our head coach is confident his squad are primed to return to winning ways.

‘We have to take advantage of this moment,’ said Rosenior at his press conference at Cobham on Thursday.

‘We’re running out of time, so we need to show that initiative on Saturday evening. We need to play on the front foot and we need to make up those points, which is definitely still possible.

‘We've had a lot of really strong conversations as a group, and we've had some very, very good training sessions. In this kind of moment, you find out about yourself, you find out about your group, and you actually just have to stay focused on the process, which is the here and now.’

Despite recent results, Rosenior has not lost sight of what his players are capable of. That, coupled with the unity in the group and the preparations he has observed, gives him further hope we can secure three points on Saturday.

He said: ‘You focus on what you can control, which is our performance, which is analysing ourselves, analysing the opposition, working making sure your process is right, and making sure the attitude and the energy and the application to the game is right.

'The team are together. We all know that we want to be successful together. That is not in question. What hasn't changed is we have got some very, very good players who can make the difference. I expect a good performance on Saturday.’

Training gallery: Building towards the weekend

 The hard work continued at Cobham on Thursday as the Blues stepped up preparations to face Manchester United.

Liam Rosenior and his Chelsea squad have been taking advantage of a free midweek in which to prepare for our next Premier League fixture.

With that big game in the race for Champions League qualification on Saturday top of the agenda for this week, the Blues have been hard at work at Cobham as we edge ever closer to the Red Devils' visit to Stamford Bridge.

Here is our pick of the images from Thursday's training session...

Jan Paul van Hecke not interested in renewing contract at Brighton amid Chelsea interest

 It was recently reported that Brighton could let Van Hecke go for £50m, with the 25-year-old leaving them with no choice but to consider a sale.

Van Hecke’s contract expires in 2027, and he has so far turned down every offer of a contract extension that the Seagulls have offered him, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal.

Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are all in the mix for his signature, claims Vidal.

However, Spurs will have absolutely zero chance of landing him if they go on to get relegated, which looks like a strong possibility right now.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side are currently in the relegation zone and have some hard fixtures remaining, including a trip to Stamford Bridge to face their fierce London rivals Chelsea.

Former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has cast doubt on the clarity of the club’s long-term vision

 His legacy is remembered by the 2021 Champions League triumph, a season so dominant it earned him the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award and a third-place finish in the Ballon d’Or.

A presence in midfield, Jorginho’s ability to dictate tempo and hop-skip penalty technique became Stamford Bridge staples. Beyond the Champions League, he secured the Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup, making 213 appearances and scoring 29 goals.

Chelsea changed ownership in May 2022, followed by his departure to Arsenal in January 2023, which marked the end of a golden era, leaving a void of leadership and composure that the club is still working to replicate.

In an interview with The Times, Jorginho has slammed the Chelsea owners for their current project, putting players on big contracts at a young age.

“It’s quite clear the whole project changed. You can see from the contracts that the players they are bringing in, and they are all players with so much talent.

“But… I think you have two [possible] ways here. ‘I want to get these players [at a] young [age], I want to make them grow together, I want to make them win.

“And then, I’m going to sell them.’ Or ‘I want to take young players, grow them, make them good, and sell them.’ So what’s the actual project? We can’t guess… I just think time will be the answer.”

Chelsea face fierce competition for Eduardo Conceicao

 Chelsea have reportedly entered the high-stakes battle to sign Palmeiras’ latest wonderkid, Eduardo Conceicao, as the club continues its aggressive recruitment of the world’s most elite teenage talents.

The 16-year-old winger has become the subject of an intense transfer war, with The Times reporting that Chelsea are now vying with Manchester City, Barcelona, and PSG for his signature.

Conceicao, a standout for the Brazil Under-17 national team, is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from South America since his former teammate Endrick.

While early suitors reportedly attempted to secure a deal for approximately £25 million, Palmeiras are holding out for a much higher figure.

As per the report, the Brazilian giants have protected their asset with a €100 million (£87m) release clause, though industry experts expect a compromise closer to the €40m–€50m range including performance-related add-ons.

Manchester City, under the direction of new sporting director Hugo Viana, were previously thought to be the frontrunners.

However, the entry of Chelsea and Barcelona, the latter of whom are desperate not to repeat the mistake of having missed out on the likes of Endrick and Estevao Willian, has turned the pursuit into a multi-club sprint.

There are other clubs vying for his services as well. The Daily Briefing previously reported that both Arsenal and Liverpool have had bids rejected for the exciting youngster.

Newcastle have also been linked with the Brazilian, with reports stating that the Magpies also submitted an offer to sign him.

Conceicao has already made an impact in 2026, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists in just seven appearances during the prestigious Copinha youth tournament.

Liam Rosenior Confirms Levi Colwill to Feature for Chelsea U21s as He Steps Up Recovery from Injury

Chelsea Head Coach Liam Rosenior has today confirmed that defender Levi Colwill will make a significant step in his return to full fitness by playing some minutes for the club’s Under-21 side tomorrow.

Colwill, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, has been working diligently through his rehabilitation programme at the club’s Cobham training base. The 22-year-old academy graduate is now poised to gain valuable match minutes as part of a carefully managed return-to-play protocol.0

Speaking ahead of the weekend’s Premier League fixtures, Rosenior said: “Levi will play some minutes with the Under-21s tomorrow, which is fantastic for him. When you have a long-term injury, to the extent of Levi’s injury, you need a long rehab period. I want to make sure he is 100 per cent right in terms of his match fitness before we consider him for our first team.”

The Head Coach added: “I’m hoping we’ll see Levi before the end of the season. He’s an outstanding player and a leader in the dressing room.”0

Colwill has made a strong impression since breaking into the first team, known for his composure on the ball, defensive solidity, and leadership qualities. His potential return would provide a timely boost to Chelsea’s defensive options as the season enters its crucial final stretch.

Chelsea U21s are scheduled to play tomorrow, with further details on the fixture available via the club’s official channels. The club will continue to provide updates on Colwill’s progress in due course and asks that the media respect the player’s privacy during his recovery.

Chelsea FC Shows Growing Interest in Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke

Chelsea fc are reportedly intensifying its pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke, with sources indicating the Premier League club is monitoring the Dutch international closely ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old centre-back has emerged as a key target for the Blues as they look to bolster their defensive options with a proven Premier League performer. Van Hecke has been a standout performer for Brighton this season, establishing himself as a composed, ball-playing defender capable of progressing play effectively from the back. His leadership qualities, aerial prowess, and ability to thrive in high-pressing systems have drawn significant admiration from Chelsea’s recruitment team.

Van Hecke, who joined Brighton from Dutch side NAC Breda in 2020, has made over 100 appearances for the Seagulls and earned senior caps for the Netherlands national team. Entering the final year of his contract in the summer, he is seen as a potential long-term partner for Levi Colwill in Chelsea’s backline, aligning with the club’s strategy of acquiring mature, Premier League-experienced talent.

Brighton are reportedly holding firm on a valuation of around £50 million for the player, reflecting his importance to their squad and recent form, which has included strong contributions in build-up play and set-piece situations. Multiple Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, have also been linked with interest, setting the stage for a competitive bidding process.

A club source familiar with Chelsea’s transfer plans commented: “Van Hecke represents the profile we are targeting – young but experienced, technically gifted, and ready to compete at the highest level. His performances this season have not gone unnoticed.”

Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler is expected to hold discussions with van Hecke regarding his future, as the player is understood to be ambitious about taking the next step in his career. No official bid has been submitted by Chelsea at this stage, but preliminary interest is said to be genuine and escalating.

Chelsea, under the guidance of their sporting directors and head coach, continue to evaluate defensive reinforcements as part of a broader squad review following the 2025/26 campaign.

Chelsea Supporters Trust have today wrote an open letter to the ownership, board and senior leadership around the direction of Chelse

Chelsea Supporters' Trust have written a letter to the ownership, board of directors and senior leadership on the "growing lack of confidence among the supporters in the leadership, structure, and strategy that underpin it".

The Trust cites how "supporters have seen no meaningful change" since the findings of the January 2026 survey which highlighted the "deep and sustained" concern of the direction in which the club is going.

They went on to say that these concerns "persist" regardless of league position and club achievements as "the vision remains unclear, its execution inconsistent, and its leadership insufficiently accountable".

In a lengthy letter, the Trust have asked the ownership, board directors and senior leadership to respond to the following four questions:

Does the club accept that supporter confidence in its current leadership model and direction has fallen to an unacceptably low level?

What specific changes will now be made to provide greater clarity and accountability in football leadership and decision-making?

What will change in how supporters are engaged, so that engagement is timely, meaningful and capable of influencing decisions rather than simply explaining them after the fact?

How does the club intend to demonstrate that its current strategy can deliver sustained sporting success, financial stability, and a recognisable Chelsea identity in a way that rebuilds supporter trust?

The Trust concluded that they "remain willing to engage constructively" with the club and look forward to their response.

Our open letter to the ownership, board and senior leadership of #ChelseaFC ⬇️

Chelsea are reportedly preparing to intensify their pursuit of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott

Chelsea are reportedly preparing to intensify their pursuit of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, as uncertainty continues to surround the future of Enzo Fernández.

According to The Independent, the Blues have identified the 22-year-old England midfielder as a leading candidate to strengthen their midfield options, particularly if Fernández departs amid ongoing links to Real Madrid.

Chelsea’s recruitment team is believed to be planning ahead rather than reacting late in the transfer window.

With the club continuing its long-term squad reshaping, Scott has emerged as an attractive option due to his technical ability, versatility, and Premier League experience at a young age.

Scott has enjoyed a steady rise since moving to Bournemouth, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders.

Previously known for his standout performances at Bristol City, Scott made his name in the Championship before successfully adapting to the demands of top-flight football.

At Bournemouth, Scott has demonstrated composure on the ball, strong work ethic, and the ability to operate in multiple midfield roles.

He is capable of playing as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or in a deeper creative role, making him particularly valuable in systems that demand tactical flexibility.

His ability to link midfield and attack has been a key factor in Bournemouth’s performances, and his maturity at such a young age has impressed observers across English football.

Chelsea’s interest in Scott appears closely linked to speculation surrounding Fernández’s long-term future.

The Argentine midfielder has been repeatedly linked with interest from Real Madrid, with reports suggesting the Spanish giants admire his creativity and passing range.

Should Fernández depart, Chelsea would need to secure a high-quality replacement capable of maintaining control in midfield.

Scott’s Premier League experience makes him a logical candidate, as he would require minimal adaptation compared to players arriving from overseas leagues.

Chelsea have already invested heavily in young talent in recent transfer windows, building a squad designed to grow together over time.

Signing Scott would match with this strategy, reinforcing midfield depth while also providing a long-term solution in case of departures.

However, Bournemouth are unlikely to allow Scott to leave without a significant financial return.

Reports indicate that any deal would require an offer well above £50 million.

Source: Caughtoffside 

Liam Rosenior got furious to a reporter's question on his players professionalism: "I don't know why you would ask that question?"

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has expressed surprise at a reporter’s question regarding his players’ belief in securing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Speaking after Chelsea’s training session at the club’s Cobham base, Rosenior was asked whether his squad genuinely believes they can achieve Champions League qualification this season. The 41-year-old coach responded with visible disbelief.

“I don’t know why you would ask that question?” Rosenior said. “These players are professionals. They know exactly where we are in the table and what we’re capable of. To even suggest that there’s any doubt in their minds about what we’re trying to achieve is disrespectful to the work they put in every single day.”

Chelsea currently sit in sixth position in the Premier League, level on points with their nearest rivals, with eight matches remaining. Qualification for the Champions League remains firmly within the team’s control.

Rosenior, who took over as head coach in the summer of 2025, continued: “Every player in that dressing room believes we can do it. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be here. We don’t have passengers at this football club. We have winners, competitors, and characters who back themselves. That’s non-negotiable.”

The former Derby County and Hull City manager emphasised the collective focus within the squad as they prepare for a crucial run-in.

“We focus on the process, not the noise. The players know the standards we set here. Champions League football is where this club belongs, and we’re working every day to make sure we’re there next season.”

Rosenior refused to take further questions on the subject, redirecting attention to preparations for Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixture.

Chelsea FC vs Manchester United: A Premier League Powerhouse Rivalry Built on Dominance, Drama, and Silverware

As Chelsea prepare to host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in the Premier League, the fixture carries the weight of one of English football’s most intense modern rivalries. While not rooted in geography like the Manchester or Merseyside derbies, this clash was forged in the fire of repeated battles for titles, cup finals, and European glory during the 2000s and 2010s. Two clubs with massive ambitions, deep pockets, and star-studded squads turned meetings into box-office events.

### Origins and Early Encounters

The rivalry dates back to the early 20th century. The first competitive meeting was a 0-0 draw on Christmas Day 1905 in the old Second Division. Overall, across all competitions, Manchester United hold a historical edge with more wins (around 80-85 compared to Chelsea’s mid-50s), but the fixture has produced an unusually high number of draws—over 50 in league play alone, more than any other pair.

For decades, these were competitive but not necessarily marquee games. Chelsea enjoyed success in the 1960s and 1970s, while United built their dynasty under Sir Matt Busby and later Sir Alex Ferguson. The modern intensity ignited in the Premier League era, particularly after Roman Abramovich’s arrival at Chelsea in 2003, which transformed the Blues into title contenders.

### The Golden Era of Rivalry (2004–2011)

The true rivalry peaked when both clubs dominated English football. Between 2004 and 2011, Chelsea and United won every Premier League title bar one (Liverpool in 2005–06, Arsenal’s Invincibles earlier). They shared 14 Premier League titles in a 20-year span, multiple FA Cups, League Cups, and Champions League triumphs.

Key moments that defined the enmity:

- **2004–05 Season**: José Mourinho’s first game as Chelsea manager was a 1-0 win over United at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea went on to win the league emphatically.

- **2007–08 Champions League Final**: The pinnacle. In Moscow, the sides played out a tense 1-1 draw before United won on penalties. John Obi Mikel, who nearly joined United, played for Chelsea. Didier Drogba’s red card and the dramatic shootout (including Cristiano Ronaldo’s miss) made it unforgettable.

- **FA Cup Finals and Semis**: They met in the 2007 FA Cup Final (Chelsea won 1-0) and other high-stakes ties.

- **Memorable League Clashes**: Chelsea’s 4-0 thrashing at Old Trafford in 2005 under Mourinho. United’s dramatic comebacks, like the 2009–10 season’s 3-2 win or high-scoring thrillers (e.g., 3-3 draws). Drogba, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes often starred.

This period featured tactical battles between Mourinho and Ferguson, Mourinho and later managers, with mind games, red cards (e.g., Ivanovic and Torres incidents), and post-match flare-ups adding spice.

### Head-to-Head Snapshot

In the Premier League specifically, it’s remarkably even in recent decades, with high draws. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have a stronger record historically. Recent seasons show fluctuating fortunes, but the fixture remains unpredictable and goal-filled on average.

### Why It Still Matters

Even as both clubs have faced transitions—Chelsea through multiple ownership and managerial changes, United post-Ferguson—the rivalry endures because of shared history at the top. Players like Lampard, Terry, Rooney, and Ronaldo elevated it. Today, with young squads and new managers, Stamford Bridge will be electric, as fans recall the glory days while chasing current ambitions.

**Saturday’s showdown at the Bridge** promises another chapter. Chelsea at home are formidable, but United have shown fight in recent meetings. Expect intensity, tactical nuance, and perhaps a flash of the old magic—whether a late winner, a contentious decision, or simply two proud institutions refusing to yield.

Chelsea are closing in on new deal for Moisés Caicedo!

Moisés Caicedo’s new contract at Chelsea: salary improved, two more years until June 2033, totally sharing club view for long term.

Caicedo has given green light to #CFC stay for long term.

Fed-up Marcel Desailly tells Chelsea to sign goalkeeper who 'doesn't make mistakes' as he tears into Robert Sanchez

 Chelsea have been advised to find a goalkeeping upgrade on Robert Sanchez that “doesn’t make mistakes”, with Marcel Desailly telling GOAL why change is required between the sticks at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have struggled to find a reliable No.1 in recent times, with it possible that they will dip into the transfer market again this summer in a bid to right that wrong.

Kepa Arrizbalaga became the most expensive custodian in history when moving to west London for £72 million ($98m) in 2018. Edouard Mendy took over starting duties in 2020, claiming the FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper award a year later on the back of a Champions League triumph.

He also slipped down the pecking order, with Spanish shot-stopper Sanchez being snapped up from Premier League rivals Brighton in 2021. A further £25m ($34m) was invested in that deal, but there remain more questions than answers when it comes to last lines of defence at the Bridge.

In an era where keepers are expected to play out from the back and be as comfortable with the ball at their feet as they are when plucking it out of the air with their hands, Sanchez has failed to convince with his distribution off the deck.

Nerves spread across the field and throughout the crowd when passes are fed back in his direction, and that is a situation that does nobody any favours. Those filling berths in the defensive unit need to have complete confidence in the man operating directly behind them.

Chelsea, despite posting record-breaking losses, will likely find more money to spend over the summer - especially if they can chase down the likes of United, who they face at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and secure Champions League qualification for 2026-27.

There are a number of positions that could be strengthened by Liam Rosenior, or whoever is calling shots from the dugout, and a new goalkeeper could figure prominently on any list of targets that is drawn up between now and the next transfer window opening on June 15.

Liam Rosenior Pre-Match Press Conference ahead of Chelsea vs Manchester United Premier League match

Chelsea head coach **Liam Rosenior** addressed the media at Cobham on Thursday 16 April 2026 ahead of Saturday evening’s Premier League fixture against Manchester United. The Blues, chasing a top-four finish, sit in a challenging run of form but remain determined to close the gap in the remaining games. Rosenior delivered a calm, focused, and pragmatic update covering team news, player returns, the opposition, recent struggles, and the impending fan protest.

### Team News & Injury Updates

Rosenior provided clear updates on key defensive personnel:

- **Levi Colwill** (long-term knee injury): “I’m hoping so [he returns before the end of the season]. Obviously, Levi is an outstanding player and a leader in the dressing room. I think Levi will play some minutes for the under-21s tomorrow, which is fantastic for him. When you have a long-term injury… you need a long rehab period. I want to make sure that he’s 100% right in terms of his match fitness before we consider him for selection for our first team.”

- **Trevoh Chalobah**: “Trevoh trained today, not quite fully, modified and we’ll make a decision on him but he’s very, very close.”

- **Reece James**: “Reece is a little bit further away.”

No other fresh injury concerns were raised. Rosenior stressed a cautious, fitness-first approach to avoid setbacks.

### Enzo Fernandez’s Return

The Argentine midfielder, who served a two-match ban following comments about his future, has fully reintegrated:

- “Enzo has been training with the group, he’s been training very, very well and it’s just business as usual in terms of the selection for the game.”

- On any potential group tension: “Not that I’m aware of, no… Enzo’s come back to the group this week. The group’s been fantastic… and his application to training, and our group’s application to training, so no.”

Fernandez is available and in contention for Saturday’s squad.

### Manchester United Preview

Rosenior showed respect for the visitors and their manager Michael Carrick:

- “Michael, firstly as a player, I greatly admire him. Secondly, as a coach, I know he’s an amazing coach… I’m not surprised in terms of the points return that he’s got there.”

- On United’s current standing (third in the table): “We know we have to play our best to win a difficult game on Saturday.”

- He refused to discuss individual United players or any perceived weaknesses: “No, I don’t talk about individuals of other teams. We have a way that we play.”

Rosenior acknowledged United’s recent scheduling advantages but dismissed any excuses: “We need to win this game and we need to play on the front foot with energy. And if we do that, we’ll give ourselves a really good chance to win the game.”

### Current Form, Pressure & Mentality

Chelsea have struggled for results recently (one win in six league games) and suffered a 0-3 home defeat to Manchester City last weekend. Rosenior was honest but positive:

- “We’re not in a good place in terms of the results… In this moment, you find out about yourself, you find out about your group, and you actually just have to stay focused on the process.”

- On chance creation vs finishing: “In terms of chance creation, we’re actually still very good… We just haven’t taken those moments. We need to be more clinical. We need to be more ruthless in both boxes.”

- On belief in Champions League qualification: “Of course they still believe, of course we still believe. I don’t know why you would ask that question, I don’t understand why you would.”

- On reacting to setbacks: “What I want to see the team do is go and push for the first goal, and not give the first goal up… We’re not as far away as probably what it feels like, but what we have to do is manage the margins of the game a little bit better.”

He highlighted strong recent training sessions and group conversations, insisting the squad’s spirit and effort remain intact.

### Fan Protest & External Noise

A protest against the club’s ownership is planned for Saturday. Rosenior addressed it respectfully:

- “Can you understand the fans feeling disheartened? … Every supporter has their viewpoint. Every supporter wants their club to do well and to win games of football. Our job, my job with the team, is to produce those results in the long term. I respect any fan’s points of view, but that’s not my focus. My focus is on winning the game on Saturday.”

- On external pressure: “The noise is not anything that you can control. What you can control are your group in terms of our spirit, which I don’t think has ever been in question.”

### Overall Tone & Outlook

Rosenior struck a measured, determined tone — acknowledging the difficult period without panic. He repeatedly emphasised controlling what is controllable: performance, energy, application, and clinical execution. With six or seven games left, he framed Saturday as a “must-win” opportunity to regain momentum in the race for Champions League football.

The full official video of the press conference is available on the Chelsea FC YouTube channel and website. Chelsea face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening (kick-off time TBC in the Premier League schedule).

Watch Below: