Liam Rosenior has thrown down a bold challenge ahead of a crucial showdown, insisting Chelsea have what it takes to overcome Manchester City: even without Enzo Fernandez.
Heading into the Stamford Bridge clash, Chelsea’s form has been far from convincing.
A difficult run has seen them collect just five points from six Premier League games, while their European hopes were dashed in emphatic fashion by Paris Saint-Germain.
Historically, the Blues have also struggled against City, enduring a 12-match winless streak in the fixture since their memorable Champions League triumph in 2021.
However, Rosenior is brushing aside past records, choosing instead to focus on performance and mentality.
“Of course we can (beat City), we’re a very good team,” he said. “We’ve gone through a difficult run, even though in that run we were punished for mistakes.
“There were good moments, so when I actually analyse the games we’ve had we’ve caused every team we’ve played against problems but haven’t had the results for that.
“We need to make sure that we keep the back door shut. We need to not switch off, we need to not make mistakes because Manchester City will punish you.
“I still want us to go out and play our game.”
Chelsea showed flashes of resilience earlier this year, earning a hard-fought draw at the Etihad—though that performance came under interim boss Calum McFarlane, before Rosenior officially took charge following the departure of Enzo Maresca.
Reflecting on that encounter, Rosenior remains encouraged by the team’s ability to rise to the occasion against elite opposition led by Pep Guardiola.
“Of course I spoke to Calum when I first came to the club,” said Rosenior.
“I was actually watching that game in an airport, on a plane ready to come here to talk to the club.
“I thought their performance, especially in the second half, was outstanding.
“Obviously we know what a fantastic team Manchester City are, full of world-class players and an unbelievable coach.
“But we know if we put our game together, we get the game plan right, the mentality right, we can cause them problems.”
With Enzo Fernandez unavailable, the task becomes even steeper.
Yet, as kickoff approaches, Chelsea’s focus is clear—cut out costly errors, stay disciplined, and seize the moments that could turn the tide in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
