Liam Rosenior ‘worry’ at Chelsea could raise alarm bells after Gary Lineker comments

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Gary Lineker has voiced his concerns about a Chelsea issue that could impact Liam Rosenior. The new head coach of the Blues, who took over from Enzo Maresca earlier this month, kicked off his reign with a resounding 5-1 FA Cup third round triumph against Charlton Athletic.

Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez all found the back of the net at Valley Parade. Lineker, along with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, have since lauded Rosenior's impressive start on the Rest is Football podcast.

Lineker started: "Good start for Liam Rosenior. I think he's handled everything very well so far. I have been impressed by everything I've seen on social media and one or two of the interviews he's given. He's exuded confidence; obviously, the difficult thing will be the coaching when they lose games.

"But, he clearly believes in himself which is really important and he seems to have a presence which is also really important when you go into a football club like Chelsea and he doesn't seem the slightest bit fazed by the challenge and a cracking start for him."

Shearer chimed in: "As a manager, regardless of whether you are young or not, you have to go in and get a good start. Obviously, bigger tests will be faced but they got a good result and are into the next round so that will do him and his team the world of good."

Despite a promising beginning, Lineker has voiced his concerns about the issues Rosenior ought to be wary of that ultimately contributed to his predecessor's exit.

He said: "My worry for him is the points that Maresca sort of made in terms of the interreference about possible selections and who to bring on. If you're getting that from above, that is very very difficult.

Shearer stated: "Let's see, it is one to keep an eye on but I hope he can do well because it is great for young English coaches that he has been given a chance at a club like that and I hope he does really well.

Richards then added: "Agreed and I think he will do really well as long as it is a realistic plan."

Rosenior faces a packed schedule with limited training ground time to implement his tactics, as Chelsea are set to play nine matches in the coming four weeks. Whilst many fixtures appear manageable on paper, his debut at Stamford Bridge presents a significant challenge - hosting Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

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Adding to his concerns are three injury worries, with Malo Gusto, Cole Palmer and Reece James all absent from the weekend's victory.

Regarding the trio, he said: "Malo, Cole and Reece were precautionary [absentees] today. I don't want to take any risks at this stage of the season. They had minor tweaks or knocks from the Fulham game.

"I feel like I have got such a good squad here. I don't need to risk their health at the moment.