Chelsea’s coach of Sierra Leonean descent Liam Rosenior has played down speculation surrounding Enzo Fernandez and voiced strong belief in Liam Delap as Chelsea prepare for a decisive Champions League meeting with Pafos.
With two games remaining in the league phase, Chelsea sit two points outside the automatic qualification places after collecting three wins, one draw and two defeats in a campaign that has already seen managerial change following Enzo Maresca’s departure.
Rosenior, now tasked with steering the Conference League and Club World Cup holders into the knockout rounds, began his media briefing by addressing team news.
Chelsea’s preparations have been disrupted by illness within the squad, and Fernandez will miss the Pafos clash after failing to recover in time.
The Chelsea boss confirmed several returning faces, noting: “Enzo Fernandez was ill yesterday and missed training. Estevao has been back in. Jamie Gittens is back in. Malo Gusto is back involved – another outstanding player.”
Attention quickly shifted to reports linking Fernandez with a potential January exit, rumours Rosenior dismissed without hesitation. The Englishman insisted the Argentine remains central to his plans, emphasising both his quality and commitment.
“It means nothing to me. When you are a world-class player there will always be speculation you cannot control. Enzo has been outstanding,” Rosenior said, before underlining the midfielder’s importance to the club in both the short and long term.
Rosenior also used the opportunity to publicly back Delap, a player he previously worked with during his time at Hull City. The striker has endured a difficult start to life at Chelsea, managing just one Premier League goal in 13 appearances, but his manager remains convinced of his long-term potential.
“I am confident that he will have an outstanding career,” Rosenior said, stressing that continued development would unlock the best of the England forward.
Reflecting on the occasion, Rosenior admitted the significance of competing at Europe’s highest level but kept his focus firmly on results.
“Your dream, as a player or manager, is to be at the top of the game – the Champions League is a signal of that,” he said, as Chelsea look to keep their qualification hopes firmly alive.
