“We need to” – Liam Rosenior sends message to players amid race for Champions League football | OneFootball

Liam Rosenior has revealed Chelsea’s  players have looked “really good” in training this week as the race for Champions League football heats up.

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Chelsea travel to Arsenal on Sunday, before playing Aston Villa on Wednesday, two games which could have a huge impact on their season.

The Blues currently sit fifth, level on points with Liverpool and three points behind fourth placed Manchester United.

Liam Rosenior on the race for Champions League football

Chelsea reportedly told Rosenior when he took over Champions League qualification was critical, and the Blues have qualified for the competition just once in the last three years.

Rosenior is unbeaten in his six league games, but dropped points against Leeds and Burnley in the last two could prove very costly.

Chelsea need to respond after dropped points against Leeds and Burnley. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Arguably the Blues are still in control of their destiny to a certain extent, as they still have to play Villa, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Rosenior was asked about the race for Champions League football ahead of Sunday’s game against Arsenal and said they need to stay calm and composed.

“I want the players to be as physically and mentally fresh as possible,” he told his pre-match press conference.

“They’ve looked really good in training this week. We need to stay calm and consistent in our process.

“This club should be in the Champions League, this club is a Champions League club. When I took over, we were eighth. We’re now in the race.”

Reece James available for Arsenal game

Chelsea have been handed a boost ahead of the Arsenal game with Rosenior confirming Reece James is fit and available. 

Unfortunately Marc Cucurella and Estevao remain absent, whilst Wesley Fofana is suspended after his red card against Burnley.

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Chelsea are looking for a first win against the Gunners since 2021 in what will be the fourth meeting between the two sides this season.

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