Things need to change after 'unacceptable' defeat - Rosenior
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior described his team's performance as both "indefensible" and "unacceptable" following a 3-0 loss at the Amex Stadium, where he faced hostile chants from Chelsea supporters for the first time.
The negative reaction from fans began when Chelsea fell 1-0 behind, with the visitors having barely created any goal-scoring opportunities. The defeat marked a concerning display and a further decline in form, as Chelsea did not register a shot on target until the 40th minute and were prone to defensive errors throughout the match.
This result extended Chelsea's unwanted streak to five consecutive defeats without scoring, their worst such run since 1912.
The match took place in front of influential co-owner Behdad Eghbali and the club's sporting directors on the south coast, where Rosenior initially began his coaching career.
Consequently, questions are intensifying regarding Rosenior's long-term future as head coach, with the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds at Wembley on Sunday representing a critical opportunity to salvage the season.
When asked about the poor performance, Rosenior stated:
"It was unacceptable in every aspect of the game, unacceptable in our attitude. I keep coming out and defending of the players.
That's indefensible, that performance tonight. The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels that we lost, the lack of intensity in the team. Something needs to change drastically right now.
I think the players as well need to have a look in the mirror for what they put in. You can talk about tactics, tactics come after the basics. Having more courage to play, winning duels, winning headers, tackles, conceding terrible goals. That was an unacceptable performance tonight."
Currently seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, having played one more game, Chelsea's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League appear bleak. There are growing concerns about whether the head coach, players, and fans share the same vision.
Chelsea have won only one of their last nine Premier League matches.
Rosenior's remarkable interviews - the best quotes
"I don't feel there's a disconnect between me and the players.
We work very closely with them in training, in individual meetings and team meetings. We are giving everything to the players.
There is a lack of spirit and a lack of belief, which can create that perception. I can't argue with that at the moment because the run we're on is unacceptable and that performance definitely was as well.
It's very soon after the game and I'm an emotional person, but that was unacceptable - unacceptable. We lost 80% of duels and didn't win a single header.
Tonight was not [about] tactical. This was about desire, spirit, courage and I did not see enough of that tonight.
It is accountability. I have defended the players at times when it was the correct thing but I can't defend that performance. It doesn't represent this football club, it doesn't represent anything I ask from the group and that has to change.
I feel numb I'm so angry. Something needs to change drastically right now. The professionalism wasn't there
We need to look in the mirror. I need to look in the mirror. The general attitude, spirit, determination was lacking a part from maybe three or four of the 11. That is nowhere near enough for this club.
Whether you're playing at this elite football club or any football club, to even be accused of throwing the towel in is unacceptable. That's all I'm going to say. I'm hurting.
We need to make the right decisions for the team ahead of a massive game on Sunday and we'll do everything we can to turn it around."
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