In the aftermath of Chelsea's 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, head coach Liam Rosenior has come to the defense of goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, who was at fault for two of the opposition's goals. Despite the mistakes, Rosenior was quick to deflect blame from the Spanish shot-stopper, instead choosing to focus on the team's overall performance.
The match, played at Stamford Bridge, saw Sánchez commit two glaring errors, allowing Ben White and Viktor Gyökeres to score for Arsenal. However, Rosenior was keen to emphasize the importance of teamwork and refused to single out his goalkeeper for criticism. "I think the first goal was disappointing," he said. "It's a team goal. It's not just on Rob. I'm asking Rob to do things that he hasn't done before. When my players make mistakes, I'm accountable. That's on me."
Rosenior's comments highlight his commitment to supporting his players, even in the face of adversity. By taking responsibility for the team's mistakes, he is demonstrating a sense of accountability that is essential for building trust and confidence within the squad.
Despite the defeat, Chelsea showed glimpses of their potential, particularly in the second half when Alejandro Garnacho scored twice to give the team hope of a comeback. Rosenior was heartened by the display, which he believes bodes well for the future. "He made a save in the second half that was absolutely world-class," he said of Sánchez. "That could have put us out of the tie. He will improve in terms of his understanding. I'll stay positive with him, as I will with all the group. My job is to help them, not to blame them."
The defeat has left Chelsea with an uphill task in the second leg, which will be played at the Emirates Stadium next month. However, Rosenior remains optimistic about his team's chances. "It's game on," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, echoing Rosenior's sentiments. "That feeling is not perfect but we have to value what the team has done again. It's just half-time, and we know the big fight that we're going to have back at the Emirates because they are a top side."
Chelsea's injury woes continued to plague them, with several key players missing from the starting lineup. Cole Palmer, Reece James, and Malo Gusto were all absent due to injury, while Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens were sidelined with illness. Moisés Caicedo was also missing, serving a suspension. Rosenior is hopeful that Palmer will recover from his thigh strain in time to face Brentford on Saturday.
Rosenior's cautious approach to player injuries is a testament to his experience as a coach. By prioritizing the long-term health of his players, he is demonstrating a commitment to building a sustainable and successful team. As the season progresses, Chelsea will be looking to build on their performances and make a push for silverware. With Rosenior at the helm, they have a strong foundation to work from.
In conclusion, while Chelsea's defeat to Arsenal was a setback, it has also provided an opportunity for the team to regroup and refocus. With Rosenior's guidance and support, the players will be looking to bounce back from their mistakes and make a strong challenge in the second leg. As the Carabao Cup semi-final heats up, one thing is certain – Chelsea will be giving it their all to reach the final.
Original: The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Written by Npsports
