It is fair to say that Liam Rosenior faced some criticism after the tactics he deployed during Chelsea’s EFL Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
Paul Merson led the charge against Rosenior’s decisions, with the Blues crashing out following a 4-2 aggregate defeat.
The 1-0 loss in the second leg came after an hour where Chelsea made very little effort to break their opponents down, before bringing on Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian to try and make the difference.
Whenever Boehly pulls the trigger on Rosenior, who are YOU hiring? 😤
Terry would love Fabregas…
The Brazil international, who is already confirmed to be going to the 2026 World Cup, had recently spent some time away from the club on compassionate leave.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesEstevao Willian’s joke to Liam Rosenior after Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal
Rosenior defended Estevao during this time, and further evidence of their strong relationship was on show after the EFL Cup defeat.
The manager admitted to the Mail Online that after being shown a clip of his failed control when the ball went out of play, the winger joked that he couldn’t believe his boss used to actually play professionally.
He said: “The lads have played it back to me on the video and we’ve had a laugh about it. “Estevao said he can’t believe that I was a professional footballer.
“You’ve got to (laugh at yourself). This is a great job. I love this job. I am serious in many aspects and demanding in many aspects. Life is too short. You have to enjoy life. You have to be able to laugh at yourself. At the moment, a lot of people in this country have been laughing at me.”
What changes would you make to our side to face Wolves?
Estevao ready to start vs Wolves
Chelsea’s attention will quickly turn back to Premier League action, with a game to come on Saturday against last-placed Wolves.
As Rosenior delivered a Chelsea injury update, he confirmed that Estevao was ready to start the game and play 90 minutes, as well as Cole Palmer.
Blues supporters have not had enough opportunities to see both superstars on the pitch at the same time, however the trip to Molineux could now provide that.
Despite their availability, we are predicting Chelsea can afford to rotate Palmer and Estevao and still take all three points back to West London.
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