Former England defender Micah Richards has outlined the primary concern and a pragmatic objective for Chelsea's newly appointed head coach, Liam Rosenior, suggesting a challenge for the Champions League places is the immediate goal.
The 'Only Worry' and a Realistic Ambition
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards expressed that his sole apprehension revolves around the club's expectations for Rosenior, who took charge last week following Enzo Maresca's departure after 18 months. Maresca left with Chelsea in fifth place, but a recent 2-1 defeat to Fulham has seen them slip to eighth, four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
"The only worry is what Chelsea want from him and if they're happy just being top four and challenging for the Europa League, Champions League or whatever," Richards stated. He emphasised that a clear plan is crucial: "If their plan is to get top four and challenge for a trophy, I think he'll do really well."
Premier League Hierarchy and the Path Ahead
Richards provided a blunt assessment of Chelsea's current standing relative to the league's elite, identifying three clear superiors. "They're not better than Manchester City, they're not better than Liverpool and they're not better than Arsenal," he said, also noting the threat posed by an improving Aston Villa.
Consequently, he believes a "realistic target is to challenge for top four" for Rosenior's side. The new manager's tenure began encouragingly with a 5-1 FA Cup third-round victory at Charlton Athletic, but faces an immediate stern test with a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal on Wednesday, followed by a Premier League match against Brentford.
Podcast Pundits Voice Support and Concerns
Fellow pundits on the podcast echoed a mix of optimism and caution for the young English manager's prospects at Stamford Bridge. Host Gary Lineker hopes for success but shares worries about potential interference from the club's hierarchy, which reportedly contributed to Maresca's exit on New Year's Day.
"My worry for him is the points that Enzo Maresca made in terms of interference in terms of selections and who to bring on and that sort of stuff," Lineker said. "If you're getting that from above, that is very, very difficult."
Alan Shearer welcomed the opportunity given to a British coach at a major club but sounded a note of realism regarding the pressure. "It doesn't matter how long his contract is because if they want to get rid of him, they'll just get rid of him I guess," the Premier League's record goalscorer commented. "I hope he can do really well because it's great for young English coaches, that he's been given a chance at a club like that."
