Chelsea are preparing for what is possibly Liam Rosenior’s toughest clash as manager, as the Blues go to Naples to take on Antonio Conte’s side in a crucial Champions League clash.
Chelsea are one of eight teams currently sitting on 13 points in the 36-club table. Yet, only three of the eight teams on 18 points currently sit in the top eight after seven games, which earns instant qualification.
The next 16 fight it out in a play-off to join the top eight in the Champions League knockout stages. So, Wednesday night comes in the form of a must-win game for Chelsea, if they want to book a last 16 place.
With the schedule already hectic, Liam Rosenior will be desperate to avoid two more games in the form of a Champions League play-off round. In order to do that, he must get the better of Antonio Conte.
How do you stop a centre-forward like Romelu Lukaku? 🛑
He should be fit for Napoli vs Chelsea
Photo by Alberto Gandolfo/BSR Agency/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
It starts with team selection, and Rosenior will have a few headaches going into Wednesday night’s clash. In all five games, Rosenior has made five or more changes, but don’t be surprised if that is less in Italy.
Andrey Santos says Chelsea pal has found things difficult so far
The win over Palace saw the likes of Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Marc Cucurella and other players you would expect to see in the starting line-up when Chelsea take on Napoli tomorrow.
Then, there are a few fringe players. Andrey Santos and Estevao are certainly that. It is probably 50-50 at this stage over whether they start against Napoli given they played against Palace, but they starred too.
Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
In both cases, it could be said that both players enjoyed their best game in a Chelsea shirt. Santos topped the duels and defensive contribution stats, boasting the second-most tackles and 91% successful passing.
It would be a travesty if he doesn’t start. For Estevao, a goal and an assist at a time where Pedro Neto is struggling for form. Speaking ahead of the game, Santos heaped praise on Estevao, on Chelsea’s website.
“I told Estevao he is a superstar! It’s not easy when you come from another country, another language, it’s hard but he is doing very well. I am so happy to play with him here and in the national team,” he said.
Estevao’s best game in a Chelsea shirt?
Sensational performance from the Brazilian…
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
What Santos said about Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior
While Joe Cole does not think their tactics are a million miles apart, their man management and ability in front of a camera are. Maresca was emotional, often acting on a whim and ultimately, it got him sacked.
Rosenior is calm, measured, insightful. While Rosenior might have earned some teasing from Gary Lineker over his “man-age” comments made in France, Simon Jordan says Rosenior is a very intelligent manager.
Santos highlighted what Rosenior has brought to Chelsea, and why he still rates Maresca, as per Football London: “He’s given me a lot of confidence, but it’s not only to me, it’s a lot to the other players as well.
Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
“But it’s easier for me because I know him, I know that he wants every player to work hard and fight with an elite mentality to win games and trophies,” Santos said on Rosenior. Then, on Maresca, Santos said:
“The previous coach [Enzo Maresca] is a top, top coach. I worked hard with him and I learned a lot from him. This is football, these things can happen,” he added. Rosenior will speak to the media at 6.30PM.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox