Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has played down talk of the club’s upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Napoli, insisting his side’s immediate focus is firmly on their Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace this weekend.
Speaking after Chelsea’s narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Cypriot side Pafos in Matchweek 7 of the 2025/2026 Champions League league phase, Rosenior stressed that maintaining consistency in domestic competition remains his top priority.
Chelsea Secure Vital Win Against Pafos
Chelsea welcomed Pafos in the early hours of Thursday morning and emerged with all three points thanks to a decisive goal from Moises Caicedo. The result was enough to lift the Blues into eighth place in the Champions League standings with 13 points to their name.
While Chelsea dominated possession and created multiple scoring opportunities, Rosenior admitted his side could have wrapped up the contest more comfortably. Nevertheless, he was satisfied with the outcome, particularly given the congested fixture schedule and the importance of squad management.
“Of course I would have liked us to score more goals and win by a bigger margin,” Rosenior told Chelsea’s official media channels. “But the reality is that we are in the top eight, and if we win our next game against Napoli, we have a very strong chance of qualifying directly for the round of 16.”
Direct Qualification Within Reach
Under the current Champions League format, finishing inside the top eight of the league phase ensures automatic qualification to the last 16, bypassing the playoff round. Chelsea’s victory over Pafos has placed them in a strong position heading into the final matchday.
A win against Napoli next week would guarantee Chelsea’s passage into the knockout stages, regardless of results elsewhere. However, Rosenior remains cautious about looking too far ahead, preferring to take each challenge one step at a time.
Crystal Palace Comes First
Despite the growing excitement surrounding the Napoli fixture, Rosenior made it clear that his attention is currently elsewhere. According to the Chelsea manager, the immediate challenge of facing Crystal Palace in the Premier League demands full concentration from both players and staff.
“On Sunday, we have a very difficult game against Crystal Palace,” Rosenior explained. “That match requires our full focus and preparation. Only after that game will we turn our attention to Napoli.”
The Crystal Palace encounter is expected to be a physically demanding contest, with Chelsea aiming to maintain momentum in their domestic campaign while balancing European ambitions.
Respect for Napoli, No Fear
Although Rosenior is keen to postpone discussions about Napoli, he did acknowledge the quality of the Italian champions. Napoli, who are defending their Serie A title, represent one of the most formidable opponents Chelsea could face at this stage of the competition.
“We know that the Napoli match will be extremely tough,” Rosenior said. “They are the reigning champions of Italy and a very experienced European side. But we are not afraid. When the time comes, we will be ready.”
The Chelsea boss emphasized confidence rather than complacency, noting that his players have already demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline in high-pressure matches this season.
Premier League Points a Priority
Chelsea’s focus on Crystal Palace is largely driven by their league position. The Blues currently sit sixth in the Premier League with 34 points, firmly in contention for a top-four finish.
A victory this weekend could see Chelsea break into the Champions League qualification places, depending on results from rival clubs. With the Premier League table tightly packed, every point is crucial as the season approaches its decisive phase.
Rosenior understands that success in Europe means little if domestic form falters, which is why the Palace match is being treated as a must-win encounter.
Squad Management and Long-Term Vision
Balancing domestic and European competitions has been one of Rosenior’s biggest challenges this season. With injuries, suspensions, and fixture congestion all playing a role, the Chelsea manager has emphasized the importance of rotation and recovery.
The win over Pafos demonstrated Chelsea’s depth, as several squad players stepped up in key moments. Rosenior believes this depth will be vital as Chelsea chase success on multiple fronts.
“Our responsibility is to manage the squad properly,” Rosenior added. “We want to be competitive in every competition, but that requires smart decisions and the right mindset.”
Looking Ahead
Chelsea’s immediate task is clear: secure three points against Crystal Palace and strengthen their Premier League position. Only after that will attention shift to Napoli, where a place in the Champions League round of 16 could be sealed.
For Rosenior, the message is simple—focus on the present, respect every opponent, and let results take care of the rest. With confidence growing and qualification within reach, Chelsea remain firmly on course for a strong finish to the season.
ALSO READ :
