Liam Rosenior was quick to play down any concerns over Reece James after replacing his captain at half-time. that of Chelsea 1-0 Champions League earn on Paphos.
James made way for Estevao at the break at Stamford Bridge, a change which immediately raised eyebrows given the defender’s importance and his history of fitness problems.
Speaking after the match, Rosenior stressed that the substitution had been planned in advance.
“I manage the group as best I can,” Rosenior said. “We have so many games. Reece is so important. Normally I don’t make pre-planned substitutions, but I wanted Reece to play the way I needed him to, while protecting him because of his importance to us.”
The Chelsea head coach explained that the change also allowed his team to take a more aggressive approach as they searched for a breakthrough.
“So we made an offensive change, brought on Estevao for Reece and played with an extra offensive player,” he added. “I thought Estevao was very, very good when he came in.”
Chelsea finally found the decisive moment through Moises Caicedo, whose goal secured all three points in a demanding contest. The midfielder admitted it was a difficult evening.
“It was a very important goal for the team, so I’m really happy because the match was difficult,” Caicedo said. “The team played well, we got the three points and now we continue because we still have one game left.”
Caicedo also reflected on his growing responsibility within the team, suggesting he prefers to lead through his actions.
“A lot of people say I’m a leader,” he said. “I don’t talk too much in the locker room, but I try to show it on the pitch and in training.”
Facing a deep defensive block, Chelsea had to remain patient, something Caicedo felt they achieved effectively.
“It’s difficult to play against that, but we controlled the match very well,” he added. “It was important because at every moment we felt like we could score.”