LIAM ROSENIOR is settling into life at Chelsea – and he shook hands with every journalist who attended his first press conference.
The Blues’ new boss, 41, spoke to the media ahead of the West Londoners’ FA Cup third round tie against Charlton tomorrow.
And Rosenior made sure that he personally greeted every reporter – including SunSport’s Dan King – before taking questions.
The tactician was confirmed as Chelsea’s chief after signing a mega deal until 2032 on Tuesday.
Rosenior has held two training sessions since taking charge at Stamford Bridge.
He made it clear that the Club World Cup champions have a bright future ahead of them.
He said: “I’m very excited to work with this group. I’ve had two wonderful days being welcomed by them and by everyone – I feel at home already.
“The players have been magnificent with me and their engagement and how they’ve made my staff and me at home. Now I want to get into the games with them.
“They are outstanding and talented players with huge potential and the job for me is to turn that potential into reality.
“Having potential is one thing. I’m potentially a very good coach, the players are potentially – although some of them already are – world-class players.
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“But we can’t be potentially a world-class team. We need to be a world-class team. That’s where I’m trying to take the club.”
Rosenior was plucked from French side Strasbourg, who are also owned by BlueCo.
Chelsea made the quick decision to turn to the ex-Hull chief after Enzo Maresca was sacked following a breakdown in relations behind the scenes.
The Blues’ trip to the Valley to face Championship strugglers Charlton will be Rosenior’s first match in charge.
He chose to watch Chelsea’s midweek derby defeat to Fulham alongside co-owner Behdad Eghbali from the stands instead of heading straight into the dugout.
First impressions of Liam Rosenior
by Dan King
IF Liam Rosenior coaches and manages as well as he talks, he will defy the doubters.
Shaking the hand of every regular Chelsea correspondent before starting his first press conference was merely a nice touch, the mark of a man with manners.
What was really impressive was how Rosenior tackled every question head on, with an appealing blend of honesty, confidence and eloquence.
But predecessor Enzo Maresca started his reign being much more open and engaging than he was by the time he talked himself out of a job.
And Rosenior himself admitted he won’t win any matches in press conferences.
Amid unrest among Chelsea fans and question marks over his credentials, he is asking to be judged on results. And he will be.
