Rosenior’s Challenge: Addressing Chelsea’s Disciplinary and Performance Issues

Upon his appointment as Chelsea’s manager on Tuesday, Rosenior was likely already aware of the club’s ongoing disciplinary challenges. However, these issues became glaringly apparent when he observed his team from the stands at Craven Cottage the following evening.

Just 22 minutes into the match, experienced player Marc Cucurella struggled under a long ball, failed to outmuscle Fulham’s Harry Wilson, and committed a blatant foul as the last defender. This resulted in Cucurella receiving Chelsea’s seventh red card of the season, not counting the dismissal of former coach Maresca against Liverpool.

Rosenior’s predecessor consistently denied that the team had a disciplinary problem, despite accumulating unnecessary yellow cards. Interim manager Calum McFarlane followed this narrative, even as Cucurella’s sending off contributed to a disappointing loss in the west London derby. It remains to be seen whether Rosenior will adopt a similar public stance, but it is clear that action is required to address the team’s conduct and decision-making on the pitch.

While Wednesday’s away defeat was concerning, Chelsea’s home performance has been even more alarming. The Blues have managed only four victories in ten matches at Stamford Bridge during the 2025-26 season. Their most recent match, a draw against Bournemouth, marked Maresca’s final game, following a home loss to Aston Villa.

This record relegates Chelsea to 13th in the Premier League’s home form table, a stark reminder of their decline from the days when Stamford Bridge was a fortress under José Mourinho.

However, the atmosphere at the stadium has also deteriorated. Following the ownership change to Boehly-Clearlake, fans have shown frustration, which has, in turn, affected player performance. The youthful squad struggles to cope with vocal criticism from supporters, further impacting their confidence on the field.

Rosenior’s immediate challenge is twofold: he must connect with and win over the demanding home crowd, while also instilling fear in visiting teams by improving Chelsea’s performances and results.

As he settles into his new role, Rosenior will need key players to step up, particularly as some of his star talents are currently out of form. Defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo has been inconsistent due to two suspensions, while talisman Cole Palmer has yet to regain his best form following a groin injury and a subsequent broken toe.

Palmer himself acknowledged in December that he is still “nowhere near” full match fitness. Despite scoring against Everton and Bournemouth, his lack of consistent impact has raised concerns.

It is Rosenior’s responsibility to help Palmer return to the level of performance that previously impressed both fans and critics, as an in-form Palmer would be crucial for converting possession into goals. Chelsea has developed a troubling trend of failing to secure victories despite dominating possession, as seen in their draw against Bournemouth and defeats to Aston Villa, Sunderland, and Leeds.

Interestingly, Chelsea has performed better in matches where opponents have had greater possession, posing a challenge for a coach like Rosenior who favors a possession-based style. He must devise strategies to break down stubborn defenses while ensuring that their passing has purpose.

This challenge emphasizes the importance of creative players such as Palmer and Joao Pedro, as well as wingers who must exploit space on the flanks. Something has to give—Rosenior may need to adapt to less possession, or his players must improve their ability to unlock defenses.

Winger Alejandro Garnacho, acquired for £40 million from Manchester United, has yet to make a significant impact since joining Chelsea. Although he has shown glimpses of talent, he has struggled to maintain consistency and has often failed to capitalize on opportunities. His defensive lapses have also cost Chelsea points in crucial matches. Following his lack of performance, he was benched for the last two games under Maresca, and it will be interesting to see how Rosenior plans to utilize him moving forward.

Another issue that Rosenior must address is the team’s inability to maintain leads. Chelsea has dropped 13 points from winning positions, second only to Bournemouth in the Premier League this season. This vulnerability, even when ahead, is indicative of the team’s overall inexperience and lack of composure under pressure.

Chelsea has frequently lost control of matches this season, a factor contributing to Maresca’s dismissal. For example, the defeat to Aston Villa highlighted their inability to capitalize on a dominant performance. Achieving consistency will be crucial, and Rosenior must ensure that his team can secure victories by effectively managing their stronger outings.