Chelsea punished in ‘crazy’ end to first leg, Rosenior admits
Liam Rosenior admitted Chelsea were punished during a “crazy” 20-minute spell in their Champions League last-16 first-leg defeat.
The Blues will need to pull off an incredible comeback in the return leg at Stamford Bridge next week after losing 5-2 to Paris St-Germain.
They twice equalised and were well in the tie, but a mistake by keeper Filip Jorgensen led to PSG regaining the lead, and two late goals by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia seem likely to prove decisive.
Head coach Rosenior took responsibility for the late collapse, but there was no doubt that Jorgensen’s blunder was a key moment.
When Jorgensen tried to pass the ball out, Bradley Barcola intercepted, the ball dropped to Kvaratskhelia, who teed up Vitinha, and the Portuguese superbly chipped the embarrassed keeper.
Rosenior said: “Players make mistakes. Filip isn’t the first to make a mistake. It’s part of football.
“Credit to him, he held his hands up in the dressing room. Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes they’re more costly than others and this is one of those moments.”
The error continued Chelsea’s longstanding woes in the goalkeeping position.
Jorgensen was recently brought in to replace Robert Sanchez, who has also been guilty of costly mistakes.
“They have different qualities. Rob is outstanding from crosses and an outstanding shot-stopper. Filip has amazing qualities too,” Rosenior said.
Chelsea did trouble the holders and would have had every reason to feel upbeat ahead of the second leg had they not conceded twice late on.
Malo Gusto levelled after Bradley Barcola’s early opener, Ousmane Dembele restored the home side’s lead shortly before half-time, and Enzo Fernandez’s goal made it 2-2.
At that stage Chelsea were in a strong position, only for PSG to take control in emphatic fashion.
“They’re European champions. That’s why I’m so disappointed – our performance up to the third goal was very good,” Rosenior conceded.
“Very disappointing result. For much of the game I was really happy with our performance. The last 20 minutes are crazy – that’s on me.
“Mistakes happen. You have to stay calm, me included, but we didn’t and we were punished”
