Liam Rosenior changes tack as Chelsea boss gives explosive interview after Brighton defeat

Jack Otway
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:16:18 +0000

Liam Rosenior wasted no time in criticising his Chelsea players on Tuesday night following their crushing 3-0 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

The Blues were outplayed by Fabian Hurzeler's high-flying outfit from the very first minute, with the Seagulls securing all three points courtesy of goals from Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck.

It means Chelsea have now lost their last five matches, with their hopes of European football next term hanging in the balance.

Rosenior, since being appointed as Enzo Maresca's replacement back in January, has usually opted to try and pick his players up - rather than criticising them in public.

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That approach changed last night, however, with the 41-year-old appalled by what he saw from his players.

"That was unacceptable in every aspect of the game," he raged. "I'm hurting and I feel numb.

"The attitude was unacceptable. I keep coming out and defending the players but that performance tonight is indefensible.

"The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels that we lost, the lack of intensity in the team... something needs to change drastically here right now."

Rosenior also fronted up and accepted responsibility, acknowledging that it was on him to get the best from his players.

He continued: "I am accountable, I've always said that, but after tonight, I think the players as well need to have a look in the mirror for what they put in. You can talk about tactics, tactics come after the basics.

"I can't keep coming out here and defending some of the things that we are seeing.

"Against Manchester United, the results weren't there but I felt like we'd turned a corner but the general attitude, spirit and determination was lacking, apart from maybe three or four of the 11. That is nowhere near enough for this club.

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"It's nowhere near enough. I can't come out and lie. I'll come out and tell the truth and that was unacceptable in every area.

"We can speak about a lack of confidence or results not going our way but that does not represent anything that I want to see and I won't ever see it again.

"The performance in terms of professionalism wasn't there.

"It was a really, really difficult night - the most difficult night so far [for me] at this magnificent football club but also in my career because some of the things I was witnessing today I never want to see again."

During the contest, questions were raised as to whether Rosenior had the faith of his players.

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo was seen jogging back for Brighton's second goal of the night, much to the frustration of supporters.

Rosenior, when asked for their stance, said: "It's not about playing for me.

"It's about playing for the club. It's about playing for the shirt.

"It's about playing to win games of football. I can speak on what I saw tonight.

"You can read anything into it that you want, whether they're playing for me or not, but that performance in itself was damning. It stood against what I believe in.

"We'll find out (if the players can take that criticism). I haven't criticised them up till now. I've defended them. They've deserved that.

"But I will tell the truth. I always come out here and tell the truth. And I blame myself as well. It's not just blaming the players. I'm part of that process."

Chelsea won't have too long to reflect on the defeat.

They're next in action against Leeds in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday (3pm).

As for Brighton, they'll face Newcastle away on Saturday hoping to continue their sensational form.