Liam Rosenior's appearance at Chelsea has attracted much attention, but most of the controversy revolves around his background, position and statements to the media. On the pitch, what he has done is creating a positive foundation for building success.
The English captain won 5 of the first 6 matches, and the 3-2 victory at Napoli's stadium - the result that helped Chelsea officially win a ticket to the knockout round - is the most impressive milestone. Even, this can be considered the most outstanding achievement in Rosenior's coaching career so far.
The match in Naples also showed his improvisation ability. The 3-defender system deployed from the beginning did not operate as planned, but personnel adjustments and rearrangements in the match helped The Blues reverse the game, gaining a clear advantage in the second half.
I always learn" - Rosenior said after the match, while maintaining a humble attitude, emphasizing the merits of the players. That attitude seemed to create a good effect in the dressing room. A video recording the scene of Joao Pedro laughing and joking with the coach after the match evokes the feeling of a gentle and positive team, while captain Reece James affirmed "each training session we improve" under Rosenior.
The recent series of results also shows that he is receiving the effort he wants. Chelsea just had their first away win in the Champions League this season, before that was 3 points against Crystal Palace to end the 5-match winless streak in the Premier League.
However, James also admitted that relationship is "only in the early stages" and the whole team is still getting used to the style that Rosenior wants to build. In fact, that is shown in the home wins against Brentford and Pafos. Efficiency is there, but the playing style is not as smooth as fans expected.
Non-professional mockery once targeted Rosenior, from his enthusiastic applause on the sidelines, to having to speak out to deny rumors of "Lego folding" in training, or the old saying about separating "manage" into "man" and "age". But if we put aside the side stories, his statements about tactics are quite detailed, showing a clear professional foundation and analytical thinking.
At the training center, Rosenior regularly exchanged with the coaching staff, listened and debated, creating a sense of a collective working model. Bernardo Cueva's promotion as a set-piece coach also reflects the new approach under his time.
Considering many aspects, Rosenior is a modern - young, approachable coach, pursuing a clear style and preparing tactics meticulously. Therefore, his "youth" and the fact that he has only coached 159 matches makes many people doubt whether he is qualified for the hot seat at Chelsea.
Those doubts can still become reality, but until now, the 2-3 home defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals is a rare significant blemish in his promising start in western London.
Rosenior said that Chelsea must be a team that "knows how to win", but at the same time admitted that he has not yet reached the best level. The victory over Napoli could create a boost in many ways. Chelsea avoided the two-round play-offs to enter the round of 16, thereby having more training time in February - something Rosenior really needs to more clearly define the team's identity.
And the victory in Naples, against Antonio Conte - who used to coach Chelsea - also opens a crucial week. Chelsea will meet West Ham at home in the Premier League to strengthen the Champions League race, before playing the second leg of the Carabao Cup with Arsenal at the Emirates. This is a series of matches that can shape fans' feelings about Rosenior.
