Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has brushed off the online ridicule directed at him, acknowledging that even his players enjoy joining in on the fun.
The former Strasbourg manager became a target for jokes on social media after a failed attempt to control a high ball during Chelsea’s 1-0 loss against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
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The incident occurred in the second half as Chelsea sought a goal that could have taken the match into extra time, prompting jeers from Arsenal fans in the stadium, which have since been echoed online and even at Chelsea’s training ground.
“A few of the lads have replayed it for me,” he said. “We’ve had a good laugh about it. Estêvão said he can’t believe I was ever a professional footballer.
“I love this job. I take it seriously, but life is too short not to enjoy it and be able to laugh at yourself,” Rosenior added.
“I know a lot of people in this country have been having a laugh at my expense lately.”
In other news, Chelsea faced a setback on transfer deadline day after losing out to Liverpool in their pursuit of Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet.
However, there was good news for Rosenior as his former captain at Strasbourg, Mamadou Sarr, returned from loan. Sarr played a crucial role in helping Senegal secure victory at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
“I have a high opinion of Mamadou,” Rosenior commented. “I truly believe he has the potential to become a world-class centre-back.
“I’m grateful to the sporting directors and the ownership for backing my decisions regarding his career and our needs.”
“I’ve seen significant development in Mamadou, especially after his performance in the AFCON final. He has improved physically and tactically, and we felt strengthening that position was necessary.”
“He’ll get his chance, but he must compete for it as we have many exceptional centre-backs in our squad.”