Liam Rosenior’s football is quickly becoming a joy to watch, and Softfootball has maintained this position from the very beginning. Rosenior is an outstanding manager, and the early signs suggest he will bring real quality, clarity and identity to this Chelsea side.
While Chelsea’s exit from the Carabao Cup was disappointing, it should not overshadow the clear and visible improvement within the team. The progress is evident in the general play, player positioning, structure, and confidence across the pitch.
One of the most striking improvements has been Moisés Caicedo. Under Rosenior, Caicedo is no longer running endlessly across the pitch trying to cover every blade of grass. Instead, he now plays with discipline and purpose, holding his position in midfield and controlling the tempo of the game.
The introduction of Andrey Santos alongside Caicedo has been a masterstroke. Together, they give Chelsea balance and control, allowing the team to build from the back with composure before progressing forward with clear attacking intentions. Chelsea now look like a side that understands when to slow the game down and when to accelerate.
Perhaps the biggest statement of Rosenior’s impact came from Cole Palmer himself. Speaking about life under the new manager, Palmer said:
Life under Liam Rosenior is amazing. He gives us all confidence, lets us all be ourselves. I’m sure when I’m back properly fit, you’ll see the best of me.
That statement speaks volumes. Palmer highlighted three key points:
- Life under Rosenior is amazing
- He gives the team confidence
- He allows players to express themselves freely
Those words feel like a subtle but clear contrast to the rigid system under former manager Enzo Maresca, who was sacked on January 1, 2026, following a breakdown in his relationship with the club hierarchy and a poor run of form, despite winning the Club World Cup.
Under Rosenior, Chelsea are rediscovering joy, freedom and belief. The football looks more natural, the players look happier, and the team is beginning to function as a unit rather than a system-bound machine.
Chelsea may still be a work in progress, but one thing is clear: Rosenior’s Chelsea are moving in the right direction — and the best may still be to come.
