Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has harshly criticized Arsenal (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenija has accused Arsenal of showing what he felt was a lack of respect ahead of this week’s Carabao Cup semi-final.
Arsenal defeated Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium, securing a 4-2 aggregate victory over Rosenior’s side and qualifying for the Carabao Cup final.
Still, as well as the movement on the pitch, there was an interesting moment before the game when Rosenior was seen shouting at someone off-screen about moving to his own half.
It became clear that manager Rossenyol was not happy with Arsenal’s pre-match preparations, feeling that Arsenal had invaded and not shown respect to Chelsea’s side of the pitch.
Liam Rosenior criticizes Arsenal’s disrespectful behavior
Asked about the incident in a press conference today, Rosenior explained why he was unhappy with the Gunners, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“It wasn’t the players’ fault. During the warm-up, we have our own territory and the other team has their territory. I never asked my team or the coaches to invade the opponent’s territory. I thought they were influencing the warm-up,” Rosenior said.
“It may not be polite, but I asked them to leave. I’m not here to play mind games. There’s a certain etiquette in football. I don’t have a problem with anyone at Arsenal Football Club. It was just that moment. I don’t think my team was shown any respect.”
Arsenal in good form Liam Rosenior starts for Chelsea
Rosseniol has enjoyed a good run of form since taking over as Chelsea manager, winning all of their matches in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, with the exception of two losses to Arsenal.
It probably makes sense that the 41-year-old was unhappy with Arsenal, but it also sounds a bit like he’s making something out of nothing here.
Time will tell whether this proves that Rosenior is using the media game to his advantage, or if it’s an unforced error that seems like a bit of a tantrum.
