Jamie Carragher doubts Liam Rosenior has the “strength” for Chelsea despite a 7-in-10 start; for bettors that suggests Chelsea are a sensible short-term back (e.g., vs Burnley), but caution on long-term manager-linked markets — consider match bets over futures until Rosenior proves consistency under pressure.
Jamie Carragher Questions Liam Rosenior’s 'Strength' as Chelsea Boss Despite Promising Start
Jamie Carragher has voiced concerns about Liam Rosenior’s suitability to manage Chelsea, saying the new manager does not “look right” in the role despite a strong early return of seven wins from 10 games. Carragher suggested Rosenior lacks the personality and steel required to steer a club of Chelsea’s profile over the long term.
Carragher’s Critique: Style Over Substance?
“There is something about him when you see him in the press conferences,” Carragher said, adding he wasn’t sure if Rosenior’s mannerisms were an act or genuine self-belief. “You know when you just look at someone and it doesn't look right. Whether it's an act or it's his own self belief, it doesn't feel like I'm looking at this guy who is weak — we don't know if he's good enough yet.”
Support from Former Players and Pundits
Wayne Rooney, who has worked with Rosenior in the past, pushed back on the idea Rosenior is being judged more harshly because he is English. “Actually he is being himself,” Rooney said, suggesting familiarity with a domestic career can fuel overanalysis of manner and rhetoric.
Joe Cole urged a focus on results rather than soundbites, arguing that press conferences are an obligation and that off-the-cuff remarks can be over-scrutinised. Cole also noted foreign coaches often escape similar criticism due to language nuances, meaning English managers can be held to a different standard in media coverage.
On-field Record and Immediate Tests
Rosenior took charge last month following the departure of Enzo Maresca. His only defeats so far came against Arsenal over two legs in the Carabao Cup semi-final; Chelsea’s other dropped point was a 2-2 draw with Leeds. Chelsea face Burnley this weekend, a match that could lift the Blues into fourth place before Manchester United play Everton.
Implications for Chelsea’s Season
The early run of form gives Rosenior momentum, but questions remain about his capacity to handle sustained pressure and scrutiny at Stamford Bridge. If results continue, criticism over style and press-room manner may fade; if they falter, pundits’ doubts around temperament and managerial strength will intensify.
Betting Angle: Short-Term Confidence, Long-Term Caution
For punters, the headline is straightforward: Chelsea’s recent form makes them attractive in immediate match markets, particularly against mid-table opposition like Burnley.
However, uncertainty about Rosenior’s long-term suitability argues against staking heavy sums on futures tied to managerial longevity or season-long performance (top-four or title bets) until he proves consistency during tougher stretches.
Rosenior was installed in the Stamford Bridge hotseat last month after the departure of Enzo Maresca, and has won seven out of his 10 games in charge to date.
Mail Online
