Chelsea will take on Napoli away in Matchday 8 of the UEFA Champions League league phase. Ahead of the fixture, the Blues’ boss Liam Rosenior attended the pre-match press conference and addressed a host of team-related topics.
On Facing Antonio Conte
First and foremost, I hold the utmost respect for Antonio Conte, and that respect extends to his playing career. He enjoyed a glorious playing days, and the passion he showed as a player has now been instilled in his teams. He has fully proven what an outstanding manager he is.
Is Cole Palmer in the matchday squad?
Yes.
Is Palmer a non-saleable player and happy at the club?
Yes, that is the case. Cole Palmer is an exceptional player. I am not surprised by the speculation at this moment—when a new manager takes charge, players can feel unsettled. But that is not the reality here.
What is the latest on Raheem Sterling?
There is no new update at present.
Have you held talks with Ansermino?
I plan to speak with him. He is expected to return on Thursday or Friday, and I need to discuss our future plans with him.
Conte was the last manager to guide Chelsea to the Premier League title—has it been too long a wait for the Blues?
I believe a club of Chelsea’s caliber chases trophies every single year. The challenge for any club is that plenty of top teams are competing for honors. That is our goal.
On Napoli’s recent form
They are an incredibly strong side. They have been unlucky in their recent fixtures. We know this will be an extremely tough match, and the matchday atmosphere will be unique, but none of this will change my tactical plans.
On Napoli’s position in the Champions League standings
In football, especially the UEFA Champions League, you can never predict results, as the competition is always fiercely contested. Napoli is an excellent team with a world-class manager, and they still hold a chance of advancing. This will be a thrilling clash, as both sides are in a must-win situation.
Have you discussed Cole Palmer with the club’s senior management?
There is no need to offer any guarantees, as that would be highly unrealistic. This is completely unfounded speculation, so there is no point in dwelling on it. Cole Palmer is happy at the club. You cannot stop all sorts of rumors, but many of them are far from the truth, which makes further discussion unnecessary.
On Roméo Lavia returning to training
As for Roméo Lavia, things have not gone his way recently. He possesses the potential to become a world-class midfielder. We must ensure he returns to full physical fitness. He has a few hurdles to overcome before resuming full training, but I am very much looking forward to working with him.
Have you spoken with Raheem Sterling?
I have said all I wish to say about Raheem Sterling for the time being. I have the highest respect for him, but now is not the appropriate time to talk about his situation.
Is Moisés Caicedo the best player in the world?
The most remarkable thing about him is that despite his young age, he plays with the maturity of a 35-year-old, thanks to his extraordinary understanding of the game.
On Scott McTominay at Napoli
I am thrilled to see Scott McTominay move to a country with such a profound football culture. I am extremely happy for him. As a Scottish player from the United Kingdom, it comes as no surprise that he has achieved such remarkable success, for he has always been an outstanding player.
On the legend of Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona is an icon to me; he is truly one of a kind. I am well aware of this club’s history. Diego was a genius, and he stands as a symbol of this city.
