Rosenior says Chelsea deserve to be in Champions League as Arsenal loom

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior
Chelsea boss Liam RoseniorReuters / Scott Heppell

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has addressed the media as his side prepares to clash with Arsenal this weekend, with the manager excited by the prospect of facing PSG in the Champions League after the draw on Friday.

Chelsea’s Champions League hopes have taken a hit in recent weeks after draws against Leeds United and Burnley, which have allowed Manchester United to jump ahead and Liverpool to catch up.

Not since August 2021 have Chelsea managed to get one over the Gunners, and Rosenior will be hoping to get revenge over the side that knocked the club out of the EFL Cup earlier this season with losses in both legs. 

James returns

Rosenior first spoke on team news as the Englishman gave updates on several players, including Reece James, who he revealed is ready to face Arsenal if needed in what is a huge boost.

"Reece (James) is absolutely fine. Romeo (Lavia) is getting stronger and stronger. We had a mini practice match in the week, where he looked really good. Estevao will be out for a little bit longer, and Jamie Gittens is progressing in his rehab. Cucu (Cucurella) is not available for Sunday. Dario Essugo is back on the training pitch, too."

PSG will be an exciting challenge

The Blues were drawn against champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Friday afternoon, and Rosenior was next asked about his thoughts on facing one of the toughest teams in Europe.

"So excited. PSG are a fantastic team. I have experience of playing against them in France. These are the games you live for. It's going to be a great tie. We've got another three games before that, that I need to focus on."

UCL qualification will be tough

In between those European clashes, Chelsea face perhaps the hardest run of games as they chase down Champions League football with the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Manchester United left to play. Rosenior said he is taking each match as it comes.

"Firstly, it's game by game. I've had this conversation with you guys before; the Premier League is so difficult every week. I don't judge one game as harder as the other. There are different tactical things you can work on. I'm really happy with the group and the start we have made.

"We've won eight out of 12, and it should be 10 out of 12. That's not bad.

"This club should be in the Champions League, this club is a Champions League club. When I took over, we were eighth. We're now in the race."