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Liam Rosenior's reaction after surprise Chelsea change vs Pafos speaks volumes
Jan 21 2026 23:12 · By Jake Stokes · 8 Reads
Chelsea returned to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League with a victory against Pafos (Image: Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
Liam Rosenior provided an injury update on Reece James following Chelsea's clash against Pafos in the UEFA Champions League . The Blues boss raised eyebrows when he replaced his captain with Estevao Willian at half-time.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Rosenior explained why he took James off – and his initial reaction spoke volumes. When asked whether fans should be worried about the England international, the 41-year-old shook his head and said: "[I'm] managing the group as best as I can.
"We have so many games. Reece is so important. I don't normally do pre-planned subs, but I wanted Reece to feel the way I wanted him to play, but I also need him because he's so important for us."
Rosenior added: "So, we made an attacking change and we brought on Estevao [Willian] for Reece and played with an extra attacking player. I thought Estevao, when he came on, was very, very good as well."
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