Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior defended his decision to field Filip Jørgensen despite the goalkeeper’s error in the 5-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Rosenior surprised by naming Jørgensen in goal instead of the usual starter Robert Sánchez, but the choice didn’t go well, as Jørgensen was to blame for the goal that put PSG 3-2 ahead on the scoreboard.
Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo criticized Jørgensen on the field.
Rosenior backed his decision to select the Danish international.
The Chelsea coach explained that the choice of Jørgensen was based on the different qualities he offers compared to Sánchez.
Sánchez or Jørgensen? They have different qualities. Rob is outstanding in the centers and in stopping shots. Filip also has incredible qualities.
Liam RoseniorRosenior also highlighted that mistakes are part of football and that Jørgensen took responsibility in the locker room.
The coach also praised Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s goal, stating that no goalkeeper in the world could have stopped it.
Three goals in the last 16 minutes allowed PSG, the European champion, to build a considerable advantage heading into next week’s return leg at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea seemed set to return to London with a 2-2 draw, but two goals from Kvaratskhelia and one from Vitinha ruined the aspirations of Rosenior, who lamented his team’s inability to handle setbacks.
The last 15-20 minutes were crazy, but that’s my fault. We need to be better when setbacks occur, remain calm and composed, and that didn’t happen.
Liam Rosenior
Rosenior acknowledged the difficulty of the match and the quality of PSG, but maintained hope for a comeback.
In the Premier League, you don’t face players like Dembélé, Barcola, Doué, Kvaratskhelia. PSG is an outstanding team, they are European champions, but we have to manage the match better. Two goals make it feasible, but three make it very difficult now, but not impossible.
