Chelsea manager Rosenior dismisses Club World Cup win as insignificant ahead of PSG rematch
Liam Rosenior, Chelsea's manager, declared that his team's "remarkable success" of securing last year's Club World Cup by defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the final would hold no influence when the teams face off once more in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday.
The current European title holders will host Chelsea at the Parc des Princes for the opening match on Wednesday, merely eight months after the English outfit triumphed 3-0 at the MetLife Stadium near New York, followed by their trophy presentation on the platform next to Donald Trump.
"I watched from my living room in Derby, and it was an excellent contest featuring two superb sides," Rosenior remarked on Tuesday, sharing his memory of the game and his thoughts on the US leader interrupting the festivities.
"My attention was on the match itself. I was thrilled for the players, and the presence of certain figures on stage, politics aside and respecting varied opinions, did not matter to me."
He continued: "The players delivered an exceptional display that day, yet I believe it carries little weight now, given the entirely changed circumstances."
Rosenior took over from Enzo Maresca as Chelsea's head coach in January, arriving from Strasbourg, part of the same BlueCo group that owns the club at Stamford Bridge.
During the Club World Cup, he observed Chelsea's sessions and saw their round-of-16 victory against Benfica.
"Witnessing the squad claim the trophy was superb, a tremendous milestone for the club, and we aim to forge plenty more such moments ahead," he commented upon returning to France.
The 41 year old performed admirably versus PSG over his 18 months at Strasbourg, securing a home win against them last term and earning a 3-3 stalemate at the Parc des Princes in October.
Decision in goal
Luis Enrique's squad has found it hard to match the outstanding performances from last season that brought their inaugural Champions League crown, though Rosenior holds high regard for the Spanish tactician and his players.
"PSG excelled last year. As Strasbourg's coach here in France, I followed their path to Champions League glory with great admiration," Rosenior noted.
The French capital team fell 3-1 to Monaco in their latest Ligue 1 outing and has managed only two victories in their past seven Champions League fixtures.
"At an elite club, when results dip, the scrutiny intensifies, but regarding squad quality, they remain top tier, and it would be foolish to anticipate otherwise.
"I anticipate a tough battle, in tactics, fitness, and skill levels.
"With elite talents and an elite coach, it promises an entertaining spectacle for onlookers, yet we must recall the two legged format and maintain composure accordingly," he said, noting the second match next week.
Reflecting on the Club World Cup decider, where PSG's Joao Neves received a late red card and Luis Enrique clashed with Chelsea's Joao Pedro after the whistle, Rosenior assured no lingering tensions this time.
"Competing at the highest level demands fire and a drive to succeed," he stressed.
The Chelsea chief confirmed Levi Colwill has resumed training and Jamie Gittens is selectable once more, but he declined to reveal his choice between Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen for goalkeeper, with the Dane featuring in the recent Premier League visit to Aston Villa.