Liam Rosenior's Chelsea tenure began on a positive note with a dominant 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup. However, amidst the celebratory atmosphere, a more pressing matter has emerged as the real priority for the new Chelsea boss: mending the fractured relationship between the club's ownership and its supporters.
The FA Cup win, secured with goals from Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez, offered a glimpse of Rosenior's tactical approach, even with a rotated squad. Despite the comfortable scoreline, a segment of the Chelsea faithful made their feelings known, chanting the name of former owner Roman Abramovich while also expressing their displeasure towards current co-owner Behdad Eghbali. This display of discontent underscores the challenge Rosenior faces beyond the pitch.
Rosenior is aware of the fans’ frustrations. In his first press conference, he emphasized the importance of winning battles and competing every day, instilling a sense of fight and passion within the team. He also acknowledged the challenge Charlton presented. However, mending the fences between the fans and the ownership will require more than just victories on the field.
The discontent stems from what many perceive as poorly thought-out transfer policies and a lack of long-term vision since the Clearlake-Boehly takeover. The rapid turnover of managers, including the recent sacking of Enzo Maresca, has further fueled the fans' anger. Some observers have even suggested that Rosenior's appointment is an attempt by the ownership to install a "yes-man," a claim the new manager will need to actively dispel.
Rosenior's communication skills and ability to connect with players, evident from his time at Strasbourg, could prove crucial in navigating this delicate situation. His emphasis on positional understanding, calm build-up, and control aligns with the technical abilities of the Chelsea squad. However, he also needs to demonstrate that he is his own man, capable of making independent decisions and leading the club forward with a clear vision.
While Rosenior's immediate focus will be on improving the team's performance and achieving Champions League qualification, he cannot afford to ignore the growing disconnect between the club and its supporters. Addressing their concerns, fostering open communication, and demonstrating a commitment to the club's long-term success will be essential in winning back their trust and creating a united front. The FA Cup victory was a step in the right direction, but the real work for Liam Rosenior has only just begun.
