Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior insists his side must be fully prepared for a tough Premier League clash with Leeds United
Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior has played down any talk of an easy afternoon ahead of his side’s upcoming Premier League clash with Leeds United, describing the fixture as a “very difficult” test.
Speaking to the media, Rosenior stressed that Leeds’ physicality, intensity, and recent form make them a dangerous opponent once again.
Leeds at home. 💪 pic.twitter.com/l8971pkdfl
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 9, 2026
Since Rosenior’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have enjoyed a dramatic upturn in results, winning all four of their league matches under the new boss. That run has lifted the Blues to within touching distance of the top four, just one point adrift, while also opening a four-point cushion over sixth-placed Liverpool as they look to push ahead of Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification.
The Chelsea boss also provided a positive update on his squad, confirming that both Cole Palmer and Reece James are available for selection. Reece James, who has been recently set back with fitness issues, is expected to be ready despite feeling under the weather. Rosenior was keen to dismiss any speculation surrounding the defender’s condition, insisting there was nothing untoward.
Team news is IN for Leeds! 💪
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 9, 2026
Cole Palmer’s availability is another major boost for Chelsea, with Rosenior praising the forward’s influence and importance. Palmer impressed in the previous outing, finding the net three times and showing he’s Chelsea’s star man.
Rosenior made it clear that having world-class talent fit and firing will be crucial as Chelsea enter a demanding run of fixtures.
Leeds United, meanwhile, will be confident of repeating their success from earlier in the season, having already beaten Chelsea 3-1 back in December. A victory this time would secure a rare league double over the Blues, something they have not achieved since the 1991/92 campaign.
Us to all the Chelsea fans in the comments pic.twitter.com/C2XNfEuYOQ
— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 4, 2025
Rosenior was full of respect for Leeds boss Daniel Farke, admitting that his perspective on the reverse fixture has changed since taking over at Chelsea. He also highlighted the threat posed by Leeds’ in-form attackers, noting that their structure and belief make them a difficult side to contain, particularly in high-stakes matches.
Addressing Leeds’ direct style of play, Rosenior was keen to frame it as a strength rather than a weakness. He pointed to their impressive display against Nottingham Forest as evidence of how effective that approach can be.
For Chelsea, the challenge will be matching Leeds’ intensity, standing up physically, and finding the quality needed to impose themselves and secure another vital three points.
