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The full transcript from Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior's post-match press conference following the Blues' 1-0 victory over Pafos on Wednesday evening
Liam Rosenior has just wrapped up his post-match press conference following Chelsea's narrow 1-0 victory over Pafos at Stamford Bridge.
Moises Caicedo scored the only goal of the night in west London with a 78th-minute header. Rosenior has now three wins from his opening four matches as Blues head coach. Here is how he reflected on the win over Pafos...
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Relieved to break through the low block in the end?
Yeah, you have to keep banging on the door. Obviously, you want to get the breakthrough earlier to open up the game. That was a harsh decision on Enzo [Fernandez]. Maybe puts his hands on him [for the disallowed goal]. I think in the Premier League, it's probably a goal. But the players, sometimes you just have to keep going. You have to keep knocking on the door, but you also have to keep the back door shut. There were things I was pleased with. There were things that we need to improve on. But overall, the body language of the group, they kept going. They were making block after block and save after save. I was delighted for Moi [Caicedo] to get the goal and get the result we deserved.
Caicedo scoring more this season...
Yeah, Moi is an outstanding player. A world-class midfield player. I don't know how many headers he's actually scored in his career, but we're always a threat on set plays. He's a top player. But no, when you play against a low block, your pivot players can be higher up the pitch. He's scored a couple from outside the box this season. And hopefully, he can keep chipping in with goals to help us win more games of football.
And in terms of wanting to score a few more tonight as well?
Of course, you always want to score more goals. You always want to win by bigger margins. But the reality of our situation is now we're in the top eight. If we win, we have a fantastic chance to go through. We have a very difficult game against Crystal Palace on Sunday that we need to prepare for. And then we'll assess that game and how we go about it next Wednesday.
Why was Cole Palmer not in the squad?
Precautionary. He felt something really, really minor in the game against Brentford. Actually, quite early in the game. So, credit to him to keep going through it. But I don't want to risk any players at this stage, especially players of Cole's quality. He's got a really good chance to be involved and start the game on Sunday. And we'll keep preparing him for that.
Is that related to his groin?
No, no.
And Reece James went off at half-time. Is that just a decision to do with his minutes?
Yeah, minutes. And making sure that he's prepared for we're playing Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday. And I want to make sure Reece is available as much as possible because he's an outstanding player and he's a leader in our group.
Is Liam Delap short of confidence?
I wouldn't say so. Liam's an outstanding player. It's very difficult for a centre-forward to find spaces when a team defends as deep as Pafos did. I think Liam prefers open spaces to run into and use his speed and his pace. But no, he did a lot of really good things today with and without the ball. I wouldn't say he's lacking confidence at all.
What have you got to do to get these fans on side?
I just have to keep focussing on the job, which is try to win as many games as possible. Yeah, I can't affect what people prejudge me as or prejudge things that are happening. Well, from my point of view, I'm very excited for the future of the club with the squad that we have, the youth of the squad, how much it can improve. And with small things and little tweaks and little improvements, I think this team can go a long way. I would love the fans to be with us and to be with me. But to do that, I need to earn that. It's two-way.
Should Chelsea be daunted by going to Napoli next week?
I think this club has never been daunted about any fixture. We know it will be a difficult game. Antonio [Conte] is an incredible coach. But yeah, I'm not daunted by that prospect at all. They have to win, which changes the dynamic of the game a little bit. But my focus now is on Crystal Palace. Honestly, I've spoken to the players about how important the next game is. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
The big question the whole world wants to know is the sticker on Billy McCulloch's head, 'always connected', what does that mean?
Yeah, for me, there's in-jokes with the players. Billy's an institution here. The players love him. He's a massive personality. He understands the tradition of this football club. And I want my players to enjoy their moments and relax a little bit more. I'm demanding on them when they need to be demanded on, for sure, but it was nice to see a few smiles on faces because you need that as well. I want the group to be close and enjoy each other's company. And Billy is somebody who makes them laugh and makes them enjoy what they do.
Filip Jorgensen injured?
Yeah, unfortunately he picked something up. Devastating for him because he's really impressed me in his time. Not just the game at Charlton, but how he's trained. Rob Sanchez came on, made a fantastic punch with one of the few balls they put into our box. And hopefully Filip can get better really, really quick.
Got any sense of what it is or how bad it is?
No.
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