Liam Rosenior might have come as a shock to many when he was introduced as Enzo Maresca’s substitute at Chelsea final month, however the 41-year-old has actually made a direct affect since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, who’ve reignited their Champions League ambitions, have misplaced simply two of their first 11 video games beneath their former Strasbourg supervisor, each of which got here in opposition to Arsenal on this season’s EFL Cup semi-final.
Nonetheless, Rosenior is predicted to obtain monetary backing in the summertime switch window, with the previous Hull Metropolis supervisor doubtlessly planning an overhaul of his protection in west London.
Josh Achiampong, 19, has been within the highlight in latest weeks whereas England worldwide Levi Colwill has but to make a single look this season after sustaining a long-term knee damage in the summertime.
It has been urged {that a} new central defender is on the prime of Rosenior’s summer season want checklist, with Chelsea reportedly having recognized a key goal.
Rosenia’s direct affect in West London
After watching Maresca finalize his happy-go-lucky divorce from Stamford Bridge final month, there was an general feeling at Chelsea of a membership desperately searching for some type of stability.
There might have been many eyebrows raised when Rosenior was introduced as Maresca’s everlasting substitute at SW6, however the 41-year-old has actually improved the ambiance round west London and few would have anticipated the rapid affect he would have.
However regardless of ending their Champions League group stage journey with a dramatic 3-2 win away to Italian giants Napoli on January 28, the Blues have struggled to search out their defensive metal.
Chelsea, who suffered a stunning late collapse at residence to Leeds earlier this month and had been in the end compelled to accept a 2-2 stalemate at Stamford Bridge, have saved their solely clear sheet within the Premier League since December 13.
Rosenior’s facet might have prolonged their spot within the FA Cup with a 4-0 away win at former Championship membership Hull final week, however their solely clear sheet in all competitions is their final seven video games.
The Blues might have rekindled their Champions League goals final month, however they lack a talismanic determine on the coronary heart of their defence, a difficulty Rosenior has been eager to deal with this summer season.
Breaking the shackles of west London and providing a much more eye-catching philosophy, Chelsea might be seen as real title contenders subsequent season if they’ll add numbers to the desk, a lot as Liverpool and Arsenal have performed in recent times with Virgil van Dijk and Gabriel Magalhães respectively.
“I imagine that the more durable you’re employed in life, the luckier you’ll be. I feel Pedro Neto summed it up.”
Liam Rosenier praises the efforts of his gamers tonight 🗣️
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/esboXlPk7N
— Soccer on TNT Sports activities (@footballontnt) February 13, 2026
Competitors to accumulate Murillo intensifies
It is no secret {that a} new central defender is on the prime of Chelsea’s summer season agenda, though they’ve struggled to discover a regulation accomplice for Trevor Chalovar since Rosenior arrived in west London final month.
Wanting to herald a longtime famous person on the coronary heart of the protection, TEAMtalk reported final weekend that Rosenior already has a summer season dream goal in thoughts.
Nottingham Forest could also be on the coronary heart of the Premier League relegation zone, however their defensive talisman is full of a string of European hotshots.
Murillo could also be on the sidelines with a calf drawback, however the Brazil worldwide has sensationally risen to superstardom since becoming a member of the Metropolis Floor from Corinthians in August 2023.
The 23-year-old, who reportedly joined for simply £15m, has rapidly blossomed into one of many hottest midfield stars within the Premier League, and Forest are properly conscious that they face a severe battle to retain their defensive chief this summer season.
There are reviews of curiosity from reigning Premier League champions Liverpool, and supervisor Rosenior has already given his blessing to Murillo’s potential arrival, believing the one-capped worldwide would be the man to signal.
Brazil star Murillo is getting ready to depart Nottingham Forest this summer season, with the extent of curiosity within the Brazilian defender already “robust and severe”. @Crew discuss obtained it. https://t.co/vpZpSOMboF
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) February 15, 2026
