Chelsea head coach, Liam Rosenior, did not hold back after his side’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, describing the performance as both “indefensible” and “unacceptable” as pressure grows on the club.
The loss at the Amex Stadium was Chelsea’s fifth straight league defeat without scoring, a run not seen since 1912.
Chelsea struggled to create chances and did not register a shot on goal until the 40th minute, while defensive lapses allowed Brighton to take control of the contest.
Rosenior admitted the display fell short of expectations. “It was unacceptable in every aspect of the game, unacceptable in our attitude,” he said.
“I keep coming out and defending the players, that’s indefensible, that performance tonight.
“The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels that we lost, and the lack of intensity in the team. Something needs to change drastically right now.
“I think the players need to have a look in the mirror at what they put in. You can talk about tactics… tactics come after the basics.
“Having more courage to play, winning duels, winning headers, tackles, and conceding terrible goals. That was an unacceptable performance tonight.”
The defeat came in front of co-owner Behdad Eghbali and senior club officials, with chants from travelling supporters turning towards the manager during the game.
It was the first time Rosenior had been the direct target of fan frustration.
Chelsea have now won just one of their last nine league matches and remain seven points behind Liverpool FC in the race for a top-five finish. Their recent run has left their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League in doubt.
Rosenior insisted there is no breakdown in his relationship with the squad but accepted concerns over the team’s mentality. “I don’t feel there’s a disconnect between me and the players.
“We work very closely with them in training, in individual meetings and team meetings. We are giving everything to the players.
“There is a lack of spirit and a lack of belief, which can create that perception. I can’t argue with that at the moment because the run we’re on is unacceptable, and that performance definitely was as well.
“It’s very soon after the game, and I’m an emotional person, but that was unacceptable – unacceptable. We lost 80% of duels and didn’t win a single header.
“Tonight was not [about] tactical. This was about desire, spirit, courage and I did not see enough of that tonight.
“It is accountability. I have defended the players at times when it was the correct thing, but I can’t defend that performance. It doesn’t represent this football club, it doesn’t represent anything I ask from the group and that has to change.”
The manager also questioned the team’s professionalism and response under pressure. “I feel numb I’m so angry. Something needs to change drastically right now. The professionalism wasn’t there.
“We need to look in the mirror. I need to look in the mirror. The general attitude, spirit, determination was lacking apart from maybe three or four of the 11. That is nowhere near enough for this club.
“Whether you’re playing at this elite football club or any football club, to even be accused of throwing the towel in is unacceptable. That’s all I’m going to say. I’m hurting.”
Attention now turns to the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley, which could define Chelsea’s season and Rosenior’s position.
He was recently praised by goalkeeper Senne Lammens for “driving the dressing room towards....
This latest result extends their run to five consecutive Premier League matches without scoring....
Up next for Real is a trip to Real Betis on Friday night, while Alaves…
The result affects the race for European places as Brighton move into sixth, while Chelsea…
This marks a devastating second consecutive relegation for the club and their third demotion in…
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion is eligible to play again after re-entering....
This website uses cookies.