If Chelsea’s relationship with the fans isn’t broken, it is certainly fraying.
Just hours after Rosenior was confirmed in his new post, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust released a highly critical survey – not aimed at the appointment, but at the club’s leadership.
Among the headlines was that more than half of respondents doubt Chelsea will achieve success in the next three to five years under the current regime. A similar proportion lack confidence in the ownership’s decision-making.
Rosenior seemed aware of the stakes. In his first interview with the club’s media channels, he used the word ‘win’ 14 times – a clear signal that he understands the only way to repair this fractured relationship is through results.
The former Fulham defender also referenced playing against Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Michael Essien – acknowledging the fear factor Chelsea once commanded during the Roman Abramovich ownership era. These were savvy remarks from the London-born coach, showing he understands the club’s identity.
Yet even he may not grasp the depth of anger that exists among the fanbase. On Wednesday, chants in support of the sanctioned Russian oligarch who transformed Chelsea rang out across Stamford Bridge, alongside unsavoury songs aimed at co-controlling owner Eghbali and Clearlake Capital.
There will also be a protest before Rosenior’s first league match against Brentford, who leapfrogged them in the table on Wednesday, on Saturday week.
Rosenior must know he could become a target himself if results do not come quickly. He embodies everything Todd Boehly and Clearlake believe in: he is young, progressive, and connected to their multi-club model via Strasbourg.
Signing off his first interview, Rosenior said: “Believe in what is an amazing football club, believe in the players, and when you give energy to the team, you help them win. That’s why we are here. I can’t wait to meet them and do that soon.”
