Rosenior plays down Chelsea’s disciplinary issues

Liam Rosenior says he has no plans to punish or fine players for red and yellow cards despite his Chelsea side having the worst disciplinary record in the Premier League.

Chelsea, who were fined £150,000 on Friday by the Football Association for failing to control players and staff following an incident at the end of the 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa last month, after a bottle was thrown at the Villa bench.

The Blues top the Premier League’s disciplinary charts, with five sending-offs and 49 bookings this season, but new boss Rosenior, whose side face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, has seen nothing from his players to suggest there is a problem with referees.

Rosenior said: “Every manager has a different way. I try to focus on if your discipline is good and your habits are good, that helps the team win.

“At my last clubs, I didn’t fine anyone ever, because the discipline in the team was really, really good and the habits in the squad.

“You have good values. So far, I can only speak about my time so far, the players have been magnificent and that’s what I’ll focus on.”

Rosenior also denied the lack of starts by Brazil winger Estevao is hindering the progress of the talented teenager.

The 18-year-old did not start against Pafos in midweek despite the absence of Cole Palmer, but made an impact off the bench to help Chelsea score a late winner in a laboured 1-0 win over the Cypriot side.

Rosenior said: “Estevao is a scary talent, but unfortunately for him, last week he has been ill. It’s brilliant that he trained fully on Friday,

“You have to make sure that you put the players in the best condition to perform.. It’s about giving them the confidence and the right environment so they can go and perform.”