Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has accepted responsibility for the club’s poor form but maintains he retains the backing of the hierarchy ahead of a decisive Premier League trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pressure has intensified on the Chelsea boss following a 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester United, a result that further affected their push for a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The Blues have now lost four consecutive league matches without scoring, their worst such run since 1912. They sit seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool FC and just three points above Fulham FC.
“We have to win. That is what this club demands and rightfully so, and that is what the fans expect,” Rosenior said.
“It is about winning football. That is what football is about. You can’t speak about the long-term if you aren’t doing the job in the short-term.
“Being really respectfully honest here, we haven’t done well in recent games and that is on my shoulders as the head coach of the team.”
Despite growing scrutiny, Rosenior suggested there is continued support from above as he prepares his side for a crucial run of fixtures.
“We have a huge game and then an FA Cup semi-final. That is why you are in football, but now is the time to deliver and that is what we have to work towards,” he said.
When asked whether he feels he has support from within the club, Rosenior replied: “100%. They’ve been supportive of me in our daily conversations, the sporting directors involved, they’ve been magnificent in their support of my team and me
“We’re relying on them. We know we need to win games of football in the now.”
At 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, Chelsea face a Brighton side sitting just one point behind them after a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler called on his players to embrace the moment.
“I am impressed by the character and resilience the team have shown, especially the players, how they stick together, how they hold each other accountable, how they work in every training session,” he said.
“It’s a position we should really embrace, we have all worked hard for it.
“Now we need to enjoy these moments and games because it’s a great opportunity for us to grow.
“We want to enjoy it. We want to be very humble starting this game, we want to start with intensity and energy. Hopefully, we get a positive result.”
