Rosenior eyes extended tenure at Chelsea amid Arsenal challenge

Chelsea's new manager Liam Rosenior expressed on Monday his desire to remain with the club for at least six years as he gears up for a high-stakes League Cup semi-final clash with Arsenal.

The English coach, who recently moved from Strasbourg to Stamford Bridge, oversaw his debut match on Saturday, securing a 5-1 victory in the FA Cup against Charlton.

However, Wednesday brings a far tougher test when he confronts the Premier League frontrunners Arsenal in the opening leg of the League Cup semi-final.

Rosenior stepped in last week to succeed Enzo Maresca, marking the fourth permanent managerial change at Chelsea since the US-supported BlueCo group assumed control in May 2022.

The Italian had previously guided the team to triumphs in the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup during his sole complete season.

Having inked a six-and-a-half-year contract with the London outfit, Rosenior shared during his pre-match briefing that he hopes for the patience shown to Arsenal's Mikel Arteta.

Yet the 41-year-old recognises the necessity to deliver results swiftly at a club notorious for its rapid managerial turnover.

"I would relish staying here for six years or more," he stated. "I want to commit for as long as feasible. That said, I realise success on the pitch is essential for that to occur. It is straightforward.

"Each club pursues its unique vision. The term project gets bandied about frequently in modern football. Fundamentally, the aim in any such endeavour is to compete to win every match."

Rosenior voiced confidence in Chelsea's potential to compete effectively this campaign.

"I have visions for the team's development over the next year, two years, even three," he added.

"Right now, I possess the necessary assets and personnel... I have communicated this to the squad. We shall strive maximally on Wednesday."

When asked if the Stamford Bridge encounter ranks among the pinnacles of his nascent coaching journey, which featured stints at second-division Hull and Strasbourg, Rosenior demurred.

"That is not my perspective," he replied. "Every training session, every discussion, every fixture holds paramount importance.

"I embrace the present moment. Thus, this match matters most as it is imminent. I am sincere.

"Placing emphasis on certain games over others leads to lapses in concentration."

In the opposite semi-final, Newcastle face Manchester City, with the Wembley decider scheduled for March 22.