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The full transcript from Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior's pre-match press conference ahead of the Blues' Champions League clash with Napoli on Wednesday evening
Liam Rosenior has just finished his pre-Napoli press conference ahead of Chelsea's enormous Champions League fixture on Wednesday evening.
The Blues need to win to qualify automatically for the knockout stages of the European competition, though even that might not be enough (depending on goal difference). Rosenior, who arrived in Naples on Tuesday afternoon along with the Chelsea squad, has just spoke to the media ahead of the game. Here is every word Rosenior had to say:
What do you make of Antonio Conte as a coach?
Yeah, great question. Huge respect for him, firstly as a player, he was a magnificent footballer. He then went on to have an incredible and still has an incredible career as a coach. I think his passion as a player transmits to the passion in his teams and obviously when I was younger watching Chelsea play in the manner that they did, defensively so strong. [Eden] Hazard was incredible in those moments and he's gone on to prove what an amazing manager he is and he's won many titles, including an incredible title here last year.
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Has Cole Palmer travelled?
He's here.
And you would have seen the speculation regarding Cole Palmer. Is he untouchable, is he happy?
Yes and yes. It's simple, Cole's an incredible player. The guy sitting next to me [Moises Caicedo], I've seen many players in the group [who are incredible]. I'm not surprised at the timing. A new manager comes in and all of a sudden there's people unsettled. It's not true. Cole's here, he's very happy and I can't wait to see him back on the pitch.
Any updates on Raheem Sterling?
No, not for now.
Is Aaron Anselmino part of your plans?
I'm due to have a conversation with Aaron. He's not back yet until Thursday and Friday. Hopefully from there we can make his situation clearer. He's had a great start to the season at Dortmund and I need to have a conversation with him about our future plans.
Antonio Conte was the last manager to win the league with Chelsea, nine years ago, do you think that's too long for a club like Chelsea?
I think for a club like Chelsea, every year that goes by and you don't win a title or win silverware. You want to win every year that you're competing in competitions. The difficulty for any club is that there are a lot of very good teams that are competing. The aim for us long term and in the short term as well is to compete for trophies. Whether it's too long or not, that comes down to the team, the coaching and the infrastructure of the club.
What have you made of Napoli's form recently and does it change your plans?
This is a very strong team. I think it would have been unfortunate in the recent games that they played. The results haven't followed the performances that Antonio's team have given. We know it's going to be a very difficult game in a very special atmosphere. It doesn't change my plans at all because I've been planning for a very difficult game.
Considering all the injuries, did you expect Napoli in this position in the Champions League?
In football, in the Champions League, in Serie A, in the Premier League, you can never expect anything. The competition level is so high. Napoli are a great team. They proved that last year with a fantastic title. When they have outstanding individual players, they have a world-class coach. They're still in the position where they can get through. We're aware of that. I think it will make for an exciting game because Napoli have to win. Also, for us to have a realistic chance of the top eight, we also need to win.
Have you had assurance from the sporting directors about Palmer's future?
There's no reason for assurance. It's so unrealistic. It's come from nowhere. There's nothing in it. There's no reason to have the conversation. That's where I'm at. Cole is very happy. I've had numerous conversations with him. Our thoughts are on how we can make this team better, how he can improve and how I can help him. He loves being here and he wants to be a Chelsea player. You can't stop speculation, but some speculation is so far from the truth. There's no point in having a discussion about it.
How do you manage Romeo Lavia's fitness now he's back in training?
In terms of Romeo, obviously in his recent history it's not been what he's wanted in terms of minutes on the pitch. In terms of his health, what I want for every player, not just Romeo, who has the potential and the ability to be a world-class midfielder, is that when he's back he stays fit. We're taking it really carefully with him. He has to clear a few more hurdles to fully train, but it's great to see him back with the players today. I know his qualities and I know what he can bring. If we can keep him fit, I'm very excited to work with him.
Just going back to Raheem, did you get the chance to have a chat with him?
No, at the moment, I've said what I've had to say on Raheem. He's a player I have massive respect for. Huge respect for as a person and what he's achieved in the game. Now is not the right time to speak about his situation.
Moises Caicedo the best in the world in his position?
Yeah, from my point of view, it's my opinion. As a defensive midfield player, I wouldn't want to sit next to anybody else [sat next to him in the press conference] in the world. He knows that, I've told him, I've watched him. Obviously, I have a background at Brighton, I know everything about his career. The scary thing for him is that, yes, he is still young, but he plays sometimes like he's 35 years old, because his understanding of the game is top. For me, one of the most exciting things about coming to this club is to work with players of Moi's level and capacity, but also to try and help them to improve even more, which I think is achievable.
What do you make of Diego Maradona's legacy?
Yeah, it's mad. I was just talking to Moi about him, walking through the corridors of the stadium. You can feel the history of the stadium. I'm a little bit older than Moy, so Maradona, for me, is an idol and it's a special... You have to enjoy this career. I worked very hard to be in this position and I understand the history of this club. Diego was a genius. He's an icon of this city. It's a blessing and a pleasure to be able to play in the stadium.
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