Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior discusses the UCL draw against PSG and provides a fitness update on Reece James ahead of the Arsenal clash.
Arsenal (A) in the #PL. 😤 pic.twitter.com/sUBPtBIcGj
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 26, 2026
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior is making no secret of his ambition as the club prepares for a massive double-header of challenges. Following Friday’s Champions League draw, which paired the Blues with reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, Rosenior expressed his excitement for the high-stakes European nights ahead.
While recent draws against Leeds and Burnley have allowed Manchester United and Liverpool to close the gap in the league, the manager insists that Chelsea is finally back where it belongs: in the hunt for elite honors.
The immediate focus, however, is a historic rivalry that has been one-sided for far too long. Chelsea hasn’t managed a victory over Arsenal since August 2021, and the memory of being knocked out of the EFL Cup by the Gunners earlier this season is still fresh.
ℹ️ Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 10 games against Chelsea across all competitions
Will the run continue this Sunday? pic.twitter.com/bLUx0HSDfn
— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) February 27, 2026
Rosenior is clearly hunting for revenge, hoping to break the “Gunners hoodoo” and prove that his tactical shifts are enough to topple Mikel Arteta’s side in a high-pressure London derby.
On the injury front, Rosenior delivered some much-needed good news for the Stamford Bridge faithful. He confirmed that club captain Reece James is absolutely fine and ready to feature on Sunday if called upon. While the squad is still missing Marc Cucurella and the long-term absentee Estevao, the return of James and the increasing strength of Romeo Lavia provide a significant boost to a defensive unit that will be tested to the limit by Arsenal’s attack.
Looking ahead to the Champions League, the prospect of facing PSG has Rosenior buzzing. The manager drew on his own experiences playing in France, describing these marquee matchups as the games you live for.
While he acknowledged that PSG are one of the most fantastic teams in Europe, he was quick to remind everyone that there are three domestic hurdles to clear before the team can even think about boarding a flight to Paris.
The schedule ahead is being described by many as a “gauntlet,” with matches against Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Manchester United looming on the horizon. Despite the intimidating list of fixtures, Rosenior is sticking to a strict game-by-game philosophy. He refused to label any one match as harder than the rest, arguing that the Premier League is consistently difficult and requires a unique tactical approach every single week.
Statistically, the turnaround under Rosenior has been impressive. Since taking over a side that was languishing in eighth place, he has guided the Blues to eight wins in their last 12 matches, a record he believes should actually be ten wins. This surge in form has dragged Chelsea back into the Champions League conversation, transforming them from mid-table outsiders into genuine top-four contenders as the season enters its most critical phase.
Ultimately, Rosenior is focused on restoring the club’s identity. He was firm in his belief that Chelsea is, by definition, a “Champions League club” and that his primary mission is to ensure that status is reflected in the standings.
