Rosenior watched from the stands as Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat at Fulham on Wednesday, leaving the Blues eighth in the table with just one win in nine Premier League matches.
There were chants against the ownership during the game and a banner reading ‘BlueCo out’. Hours after Rosenior’s appointment the previous day, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust published a critical survey – aimed at the club’s leadership rather than the new head coach.
More than half of those who responded said they doubted Chelsea could achieve success in the next three to five years under the current regime, while a similar proportion lacked confidence in the ownership’s decision-making.
Chelsea’s model, built around young players on long contracts and overseen by five sporting directors – Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart, Sam Jewell, Dave Fallows and Joe Shields – alongside influential owner Behdad Eghbali, has come under scrutiny.
Maresca’s willingness to leave mid-season forced a managerial change the club had not planned to make until an end-of-season review.
Rosenior, however, believes in the club’s approach, having worked under the same structure at Strasbourg.
“I have a very good professional relationship with the guys,” he said. “I understand what they want, where they want to get to and how they want to get there. That helps me deliver what they want. That’s why I’m here. I believe we can be successful. It’s not just about me – and we’ll see in time if that’s proven right.
“The project is about winning. It’s about winning games and delivering trophies for Chelsea.”
Asked whether he will have a say in transfers, Rosenior added: “I did not get one player brought in who I did not want at Strasbourg – not one. These guys have been magnificent for me. The process is how it should be at every club.”
Born in west London, the former Fulham full-back wants to create a positive environment despite recent friction.
“Being a head coach, you talk about systems and tactics – that’s 10% of the job,'”he said. “The job is to create spirit, energy and a culture.”
Rosenior is still inexperienced, having managed Derby County and Hull City before joining Strasbourg in July 2024, and is yet to win a major trophy.
Chelsea’s previous managers – Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte – all arrived with multiple honours.
Asked if he was an underwhelming appointment compared to those big names, Rosenior replied: “Everybody starts somewhere. There’s a great quote from Mourinho – one of my heroes.
“He said it took him 20 years to become an overnight success. It’s the same for anyone. You’re not a name until you become a name.”
His message to supporters was clear as he added: “Judge what you see, not what you hear. Judge what you see on the pitch. Don’t judge my press conferences – I don’t win any games here. Give me, my staff and my players the chance to prove we are worthy. Judge us and be fair.
“If the performances aren’t good enough, I’ll be the first to say it. I’m the most accountable person for our performances – but give us the chance.”