Tribal Football

Rosenior says "a line was crossed" by Fernandez as he excludes him from Port Vale clash

Rosenior
RoseniorAction Images via Reuters

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has spoken to the media ahead of this weekend's FA Cup clash with Port Vale.

 

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Seeking to avoid a fifth straight loss, Rosenior welcomes third-tier side Port Vale to Stamford Bridge in a game where The Blues are firm favourites to progress to the Semi Final. 

Rosenior finds himself under increasing pressure, despite only taking charge at the turn of the year in the last competition where his side could possibly lift silverware. 

Chelsea aiming to go all the way this year

Chelsea last won the FA Cup 2018 under Antonio Conte and Rosenior first spoke on going all the way this year as well as a number of injury updates. 

“We want to win. It's not about me - it's not about me winning silverware, it's about the club being successful now and in the long term. 

“Reece (James) is getting along really well but not ready yet. Trev (Chalobah) is progressing well as well. Levi (Colwill) is back in full training. Estevao and Jamie Gittens are back.” 

Fernandez punished!

Questions next turned to midfielder Enzo Fernandez whose future at Chelsea is looking uncertain after the Argentina star fuelled talks of a move to Real Madrid in the summer. Rosenior revealed he has been sanctioned following his behaviour which was not acceptable. 

“I spoke with Enzo an hour ago. As a football club, with me as part of the decision, he won't be available for tomorrow's game or Manchester City next Sunday. A line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build. 

"It's not ideal. A lot of this stems from a difficult 10 days in terms of results we have had - probably the most difficult for me as a player or manager. I'll go back to the first game against Paris St-Germain. It all fell apart in 15 minutes and there was a huge emotional dump that fell through into the next three games. 

 "The players were motivated that we could do something really special in the Champions League. The comments from Enzo and Marc Cucurella's interview both stem from that. It actually stems from a good place where they want the club to succeed. 

 "But in those moments, we need more emotional stability as a group of players." 

Port Vale are gearing up for their first meeting with Chelsea for almost a century and if they do knock Chelsea out, it could mean the end for Rosenior who has failed to turn the side around.

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