Chelsea enters a new stage at Stamford Bridge with English manager Liam Rosenior leading the club. At just 41, Rosenior faces a substantial challenge after transitioning from Strasbourg to Chelsea, yet history supports this bold move. Chelsea has won the Champions League twice— in 2012 and 2021—both times changing managers midseason and claiming victory. As Rosenior takes the reins from Enzo Maresca, the Blues aim for a top-eight finish in the group phase and direct advancement to the round of 16, facing off against former player David Luiz and Pafos on Wednesday.
How to Watch Chelsea vs. Pafos with Betting Odds
- Date: Wednesday, Jan. 21 | Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Stamford Bridge, London
- Live Stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Chelsea -699; Draw +700; Pafos +1600
Rosenior’s competence in European soccer is reflected in his comparable experience to Maresca, who secured Chelsea the Europa Conference League title and won at the Club World Cup. Despite only two matches managed at Chelsea, Rosenior has guided the team to a loss versus Arsenal in the League Cup and a shutout victory over Brentford. He remarked, “I’m proud to be here [managing in the Champions League]. Like I’ve said before, my focus is on winning the game. My focus is on success here, so I’m preparing for the match as if it were any other to ensure we deliver our best performance.”
A key player under Rosenior’s guidance is Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández, who has tallied one goal and two assists in just two games and is poised to be a pivotal contributor moving forward. His versatility, combined with talents such as Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes, makes him a standout among midfielders. If Fernández establishes synergy with Cole Palmer, Chelsea could emerge as a serious contender for the title.
As Rosenior’s teams are known for their strong defensive layouts, Chelsea only needs a reliable attack to convert opportunities. Proving they can compete against teams like Arsenal in the future starts with their immediate goal of defeating Pafos on Wednesday.
