Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has revealed that his recent outburst during the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg warm-up was prompted by what he perceived as a lack of respect from Arsenal.
Rosenior, who left Strasbourg to take charge of Chelsea in January, was seen shouting at Arsenal players to remain in their half of the pitch at Emirates Stadium, ahead of Tuesday’s clash. Arsenal went on to win 1-0 on the night, securing a 4-2 aggregate triumph.
“It wasn’t about the players,” Rosenior explained. “During warm-ups, each team has its half. I’ve never instructed my team or staff to encroach on the opposition. At that moment, Arsenal were operating in our space and it was affecting our preparation. I asked them, maybe not politely, to stay in their half. It’s not about mind games—it’s about respect and proper conduct. I hope other teams recognize that too.”
He added: “Football has certain etiquettes. I have no personal issue with anyone at Arsenal. I have a lot of respect for Mikel [Arteta]. It was just that in that instance, I didn’t feel my team was shown the respect they deserved.”
