Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior hailed the team’s unity and resilience after his side secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Napoli on Wednesday night, booking their place in the Champions League round of 16.
Joao Pedro’s brace proved decisive as the Blues overcame a testing first-half performance to claim the crucial win on Italian soil, showcasing both determination and tactical adaptability.
Speaking after the match, Rosenior highlighted the collective mentality as the defining factor behind the comeback.
“The most pleasing aspect was the group’s reaction to a difficult first half,” he said. The Chelsea boss praised his players for maintaining composure under pressure, emphasising that overcoming challenging moments is vital in Europe’s elite competition.
“Even in the first half, I was asking them to press in a completely different way, a way they’ve hardly had any practice at,” he said. The manager expressed confidence that this learning curve would strengthen the squad in the weeks ahead, helping Chelsea refine their tactical versatility while still ensuring results on the pitch.
Beyond strategy, Rosenior was quick to acknowledge the broader impact of the victory on team morale. He praised the players’ collective commitment, noting that their cohesion and fighting spirit would provide momentum for the remainder of the season.
“I’m so proud of the players. To get through in this competition is the most important thing,” he remarked, stressing that every positive night like this contributes to long-term development.
Looking ahead, Rosenior underlined his focus on continual improvement while remaining grounded in the present.
“I’m trying to do the very best I can with my group, with my staff, and hopefully we can have more really good nights like this,” he said.
