Liam Rosenior's Vision for Chelsea: An In-Depth Analysis
Liam Rosenior is the fifth full-time head coach to lead Chelsea in five years, raising questions about what the new manager will bring to Stamford Bridge.
The former Strasbourg manager has expressed his desire for fans to be "on their feet in the first 10 minutes" of every match. However, achieving this with a Chelsea side that has not won in five games presents a significant challenge.
BBC Sport examines the playing style of the 41-year-old and how his Chelsea team may be structured.
Defensive Setup Under Rosenior
Rosenior's coaching experience at Hull City and Strasbourg provides insight into his defensive strategies, which focus on preventing opponents from gaining a numerical advantage near the goal.
When facing teams that deploy five attackers, including two wide players and two attacking midfielders, Rosenior typically organizes his defense in a back-five formation. This can consist of three central defenders and two wing-backs, or he may instruct one of his wingers to drop back alongside the back four.
At Chelsea, a player like Pedro Neto could be tasked with this role due to his work rate.
The back five is supported by two central midfielders and three narrow attackers, aimed at thwarting opponents' attempts to penetrate the center of the pitch.
Higher up the field, Rosenior's Strasbourg often maintained a 5-2-3 formation, applying intense pressure to regain possession. Occasionally, the team would press from a 4-4-2 shape when the opposition utilized a back four, minimizing the distance for wide players to pressure the opponent's full-backs.
In-Possession Tactics
Rosenior's strategies when his team has the ball are particularly intriguing. His side adopts a 3-2-2-3 formation regardless of the number of natural defenders on the pitch.
This shape is reminiscent of the approach taken by his predecessor, Enzo Maresca, who also favored a 3-2-2-3 structure that could transform into a more aggressive 3-1-6 during matches.
The continuity in playing patterns may benefit Rosenior as the club's ownership hopes for a smooth transition.
However, Rosenior's version of the 3-2-2-3 differs from Maresca's in the midfield configuration. While Maresca often inverted a full-back alongside Moises Caicedo, Rosenior prefers both players to be natural central midfielders. This strategy aims to minimize the risk of exposing the midfield.
Rosenior will need to determine the best partner for Caicedo in this setup. Chelsea's captain and right-back, Reece James, might even be considered for a central midfield role under Rosenior. Additionally, having coached Andrey Santos at Strasbourg, Rosenior is well-positioned to maximize the Brazilian's potential in midfield. Enzo Fernandez is another option, although his attacking capabilities might lead Rosenior to deploy him higher up the pitch.
Attacking Variations
The two attacking midfield positions and two wide roles allow Rosenior to explore various attacking options. These positions can be filled by a mix of wingers, full-backs, or wing-backs.
If the wide defenders excel in central positions, Rosenior may allow them to advance behind the striker, similar to how Maresca utilized Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto. This strategy would be effective if paired with wingers skilled in dribbling and maintaining width.
Conversely, if the forwards are more effective at moving inside—such as Cole Palmer or Estevao Willian—then utilizing wide defenders who hug the touchline would be advantageous.
Rosenior has also employed a mix of one full-back and one attacker in central attacking roles, with the other full-back and attacker positioned wide. For Chelsea, this could mean Cucurella and Palmer playing behind the striker, with Garnacho and Gusto occupying the flanks.
The traditional distinctions between defenders, attackers, and wingers may not apply in Rosenior's system.
Utilizing the Goalkeeper
Rosenior's approach to goalkeeping, as demonstrated with Strasbourg's Mike Penders, involved significant participation in play, a dynamic that Chelsea's Robert Sanchez will need to adapt to.
During goal-kicks, Strasbourg often set up in a 5-2-4 formation, including the goalkeeper as part of the first line of defense, favoring risky short passes. This tactic aims to lure the opposition into pressing heavily, creating space for quick counterattacks.
When these spaces arise, expect Chelsea to accelerate play, with four or five players in central areas executing quick passes, utilizing one-twos and third-man runs, while wide players look to make runs behind the defense.
This approach can be highly effective when executed well; however, it also poses risks. Strasbourg recorded the most errors leading to goals in Ligue 1 this season. With Chelsea's higher caliber players, there is hope that such errors will decrease, yet the intensity of pressing in the Premier League may present new challenges for Rosenior.
Some teams have opted against pressing Rosenior's side aggressively. When facing teams that defend in a mid or low block, Strasbourg often resorted to lateral passes to shift the ball quickly to the far side, preventing the opposition from adjusting. The wide center-backs would then deliver incisive passes to attacking midfielders in dangerous positions.
Against compact defenses, Strasbourg maintained possession but struggled to break through. The 3-2-2-3 formation allowed them to defend effectively by placing five players behind the ball, but this left only five available for attack. Occasionally, Rosenior would push one of his midfielders forward into a 3-1-6 formation, though this was less frequent than under Maresca. These scenarios present significant challenges for Chelsea's new manager.
High Potential, Higher Pressure
Rosenior is undoubtedly an impressive young coach with well-defined principles, but questions remain about how his system will adapt to the Premier League. The effectiveness of goalkeeper Sanchez's passing will be tested, and it will be intriguing to see if Rosenior remains committed to his tactics if mistakes arise.
The Premier League features teams and coaches adept at quickly analyzing and adapting to opposing strategies.