Liam Rosenior faces his first big test as Chelsea manager when Arsenal are the visitors to Stamford Bridge for the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals against Newcastle.
The new manager was up to the task of the third round FA Cup clash with Charlton, however will be judged far harsher by Chelsea fans when it comes to the clash with Mikel Arteta’s side.
We are expecting the Blues to make a number of changes, including introducing Liam Delap to the starting side following his turn in form of late.
Rosenior worked with Delap at Hull City, and was a big fan of the striker during their time there, giving him a strong starting point when it comes to being in the new manager’s plans.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
With Chelsea desperate for someone to follow in Didier Drogba’s footsteps, the Englishman has a good feeling he can start firing more often now the new manager is in charge.
He told the Chelsea website that he is a huge fan of Rosenior’s style of play, believing it will suit the players he has at his disposal in West London.
He said: “He’s an incredible coach and an incredible person. I spent a year with him and I think his ideas, his philosophy and how he wants to play football will really suit us and help us. Especially me and a lot of the young boys he helped at Hull, he really helped us progress, and we’re all doing really well.
“I really like his management style. As a person, he’s one of the nicest but can be brutally honest at times. I think as a coach, you need to be that. He will tell you why you’re not playing, he’ll tell you where you need to improve, and he’ll tell you where you’re doing well.
“Liam was one of the coaches who helped me most in terms of that transition. I was very grateful for that, as he and his staff helped me and I developed a lot under him. I’m hoping to continue to do the same now we’re both at Chelsea.”
Photo by Muhammed Enes Yildirim/Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesDelap turning his form around at Chelsea
After a poor start to life at Stamford Bridge, there were reports of internal fears over Delap despite him only joining the club over the summer.
However, he has started to turn things around now injuries seem to have left him alone. Gary Neville recently praised Delap for his performance against Manchester City.
A first Premier League goal against Fulham followed, and now the club’s number nine is starting to link up far better with his teammates.
With reports that William Saliba could miss the game on Wednesday, there will be pressure on whoever starts up front for Chelsea to deliver on the big stage.
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