Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior is looking for a strong reaction from his players when Newcastle United visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday, following a heavy 5-2 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.
The Blues are targeting a top-four finish and know a win could lift them above Aston Villa and into the Champions League places heading into the final stretch of the season.
Rosenior started his pre-match press conference on a positive note, reacting to captain Reece James signing a new long-term contract with the club on Friday morning.
“We have secured the best player in world football in his position. What impresses me most is his humility and who he is as a person. For as long as I am here, he will be my leader,” the Chelsea boss said.
With the second leg against PSG still to come, Rosenior was asked whether the European tie was taking priority over Saturday’s league clash. The Chelsea manager was firm in his response, insisting no competition takes a back seat.
“I do not prioritise any competition. I have seen teams come back from three goals down in the Champions League many times. We still have a good chance if we can score the first goal next week, after tomorrow’s important game,” he said.
Rosenior was also asked about an incident involving Pedro Neto during the PSG first leg, in which the winger pushed a ball boy to the ground in frustration. While acknowledging it did not look good, the Chelsea boss praised Neto for his immediate response.
“I understand Pedro’s perspective, but there are ways to approach it. I was so impressed with him and it was his idea to apologise straight away. It is about learning from those mistakes to ensure they do not happen again,” Rosenior said.
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