Liam Rosenior is busy preparing his Chelsea side to take on Leeds United on Tuesday evening and he hosted his pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon.
The new Chelsea gaffer has won all four of his Premier League matches so far against Brentford, Crystal Palace, West Ham and then Wolves on Saturday. But Leeds, under the lights, might be his toughest yet.
Especially because Leeds bullied Chelsea in the reverse fixture at Elland Road. Leeds are a different side under the lights in Yorkshire, but they remain a difficult side to beat, losing just two of their last 12.
Harsh on Santos, but at home, let’s get as many attacking players on the pitch as possible 💪
Daniel Farke boasts some impressive players. Joe Rodon at centre-back, former Chelsea midfielder Ethan Ampadu as captain in midfield, and up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has already reached 10 goals.
Liam Rosenior praises Dominic Calvert-Lewin ahead of Leeds clash
Calvert-Lewin used all of his experience last time out to flick an Ilia Gruev cross into the back of the net with his chest. Interestingly, it is something Calvert-Lewin has done before, as Leeds beat Forest 3-1.
The signing of Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer was questioned at the time, but now, he is earning calls for an England call-up. He has 10 goals this season and will pose a different threat to Chelsea’s defence.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Asked about Leeds ahead of Tuesday’s clash, Rosenior singled out Calvert-Lewin as a threat for Leeds and described the former Everton striker’s movement as “outstanding”. Chelsea’s defence has a job to do.
“Daniel’s an outstanding coach. Calvert-Lewin’s in really good form. The way that they press, their energy, they’re direct in a really positive way. It’s going to be a really difficult game again,” Rosenior admitted.
“You saw it against Nottingham Forest. They were magnificent in that game. Very forward-thinking. When I say direct, I mean it in a really positive way. They used the strengths of the team. They used Dominic.
“His movement in the box is outstanding. They get crosses in the box. They counter-press really, really well. We have to stand up to that and overcome those intensity things that are key to the game.”
Rosenior is the perfect manager for Palmer, isn’t he? 🤔
Chelsea wanted to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin in 2024
This is a striker who went from a mediocre Premier League striker to one who is feared by many, largely because of Carlo Ancelotti’s stewardship. The former Everton boss unlocked Calvert-Lewin’s potential.
After a difficult few years with injury, Farke seems to be getting the best out of Calvert-Lewin, too. A player who in the summer of 2024 was a target for the Blues. Calvert-Lewin was keen to join Chelsea.
He remained at Everton for another season before his Toffees contract expired, and Leeds took a chance on him. Rosenior will have to find a way to stop him when he could have easily been playing for Chelsea.
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