Rosenior targets discipline and set-piece woes to fix Chelsea slump
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has taken direct control of set-piece training and addressed squad discipline as he attempts to arrest a slump threatening the club’s Champions League hopes.
The Blues travel to Aston Villa knowing a response is imperative following a difficult run of form.
Chelsea have dropped points in three successive Premier League matches.
That sequence has placed their primary objective of a top-four finish in jeopardy.
Victory at Villa Park is viewed as essential to restore confidence within a squad that has looked fragile in recent weeks.
Addressing a lack of discipline
Rosenior initially stated he had no intention of lecturing his squad on their conduct when he arrived at Stamford Bridge.
However, the former Hull City boss was forced to convene a team meeting on Monday to tackle the issue head-on.
This intervention follows Pedro Neto’s dismissal against Arsenal, which was the club’s tenth red card of the campaign.
The manager emphasised how damaging these suspensions are to the team’s prospects of winning matches.
He also highlighted the need to reduce needless bookings, particularly those received for dissent towards officials.
The coaching staff will be monitoring behaviour closely during upcoming fixtures against Villa, Wrexham, and Paris St-Germain.
Taking responsibility for defence
Defensive solidity from dead-ball situations has become a significant concern for the west London club.
The team has conceded ten set-piece goals in just 13 matches since the managerial change.
Rosenior has now adopted a more hands-on approach to defensive drills on the training ground.
While praise remains for set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva regarding attacking output, the defensive setup is undergoing a tactical shift.
“Every manager has a different idea about the way you attack and defend set plays. I’ve taken more responsibility in the last week because I know it’s something that needs to improve.”
Liam Rosenior
Reigniting the talisman
The final pillar of the plan involves getting Cole Palmer back to his most effective form.
The England international has seen his influence wane slightly following a season disrupted by fitness issues.
Palmer has not added to his nine league goal contributions since the 2-2 draw with Leeds.
His impact was limited during recent appearances against Burnley and Arsenal.
Restoring the playmaker to the levels shown under Mauricio Pochettino in the 2023-24 campaign is now a priority for the run-in.
