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In the 34th round of the Premier League, Chelsea lost 0-3 to Brighton. After the match, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior gave an interview to Sky Sports.
This is another goalless defeat in the league. In many ways, is this performance the worst you think you have had?
Rosenior: Absolutely. By far the worst. Unacceptable in every aspect of the game. Completely unacceptable in attitude. I keep coming out here to defend the players, but this performance was indefensible. The manner of the goals we conceded, the number of one-on-one duels we lost, the overall lack of intensity in the team... Yes, drastic changes must happen here right now.
What did you say to the players? Why do you think they played like this? Why?
Rosenior: We need to look in the mirror. I need to look in the mirror. But I can't keep coming out here and defending some of the things that we're seeing. The result against Manchester United was not ideal, but I actually felt we were starting to turn a corner. However, the overall attitude, spirit, and determination were seriously lacking—maybe only three or four players in the starting eleven showed fighting spirit. That's nowhere near good enough for Chelsea. I can't come out here and lie; I will only tell the truth. This performance was unacceptable on every level.
It looked particularly difficult from the start, with warning signs even before the first goal was conceded.
Rosenior: That first goal was terrible. We had an easy header chance but didn't make contact with the ball. The passing sequence before the goal made me even angrier. I think there were four or five opportunities where we could have shown some courage and quality, kept possession, and built an attack, but instead we just played the ball back to Brighton. This isn't a problem of lack of confidence or poor results; this is completely not the picture I want to see. I never want to see this happen again.
From what you're describing, does it feel like there was a lack of professionalism?
Rosenior: In terms of professionalism, it really wasn't there. This was a very, very difficult night, the most difficult night of my coaching career at this magnificent club. Because some of the things I witnessed today, I never want to see again. And the game didn't get any better as time went on, which is equally worrying.
There was a brief improvement after you made adjustments at the start of the second half, but then it seemed like the players had given up to some extent.
Rosenior: You'll have to ask the players. I never want to see anyone—whether at this elite club or any other club—accused of throwing in the towel. That's unacceptable. I'm hurting right now, feeling numb. Because this performance didn't represent me, and it didn't represent this club. This situation must change, starting from the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.
Looking at the running distances in all Premier League matches this season, not just this one, Chelsea has consistently been behind their opponents, and this even dates back to before you arrived. Do you think this is a sign of deeper problems?
Rosenior: I don't want to get into that right now. I have my own thoughts and my own feelings. I've had in-depth discussions with the club about what needs to happen at this club, regardless of who is the manager, to get back to where it should be. This isn't about me; it's about this club. Chelsea should represent fight, spirit, and determination, but tonight we were seriously lacking in every aspect.
Your options on the bench also seemed limited. I know Garnacho brought about some brief changes after coming on, but there were seven players aged 21 or under on the bench. This also dates back to before you arrived. Do you think this reflects broader issues with the team structure? Despite all the money that has been invested here.
Rosenior: We have injuries. That's not an excuse, it's a reality. But the team we fielded today should have shown better commitment to the game. For me, on Sunday I will field a team that can represent the club in the right way.
Is Sunday's match now becoming crucial? Because you keep sliding down the league and look set to drop out of European qualification spots. Is everything pointing to Sunday? Could this define the entire season?
Rosenior: That match was already important, but we were nowhere near the required level. Every game from now until the end of the season is an important game, and the way we play must reflect that. As for what can be done between now and Sunday... You say the team looks like it lacks ideas and effort—that's your opinion. I have to sit down with my staff and make sure we're ready for Sunday.
