Liam Rosenior Praises ‘Magnificent’ Chelsea Star After FA Cup Rout of Charlton

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior heaped praise on his players following a commanding 5-1 FA Cup victory over Charlton Athletic, singling out Marc Guiu for special recognition after an impressive display from the young forward.

The Blues were made to work for the breakthrough, with Jorrel Hato finally opening the scoring in first-half stoppage time with a superb strike. That goal proved decisive, as Chelsea took full control after the interval and added further goals through Tosin Adarabioyo, Guiu, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández to book their place in the fourth round.

The win marked Rosenior’s first match in charge since arriving from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca, and the new manager was quick to express his satisfaction with both the performance and the depth of his squad.

Guiu, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona in July 2024, has yet to register a Premier League goal and has made only 10 top-flight appearances. However, the 20-year-old’s strike against Charlton was his eighth goal in all competitions this season, underlining his growing importance to the squad.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Rosenior highlighted Guiu’s contribution, describing the striker as “magnificent”.

“When I can bring players like Estêvão, Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto and Liam Delap off the bench, it shows the strength of the squad,” Rosenior said. “But I was delighted with the players who started the match. I thought Marc Guiu was magnificent and fully deserved his goal. There were a lot of positives.”

Rosenior also reserved praise for Hato, who impressed at both ends of the pitch, and was pleased with the overall mentality and intensity shown by his side against determined opposition.

“It was a good start,” he added. “The timing of the first goal was crucial. Charlton defended very well in a low block and made it difficult for us. Jorrel’s goal was outstanding, and I was delighted for him. I’d watched him closely at Fulham and felt he deserved his opportunity.

“We scored from a set-piece, which is always pleasing. We conceded, but the quality of the players showed. What really pleased me was the intensity — we pressed high and maintained that energy throughout.”

The former Strasbourg boss continued to highlight individual performances, particularly in defence, as he looks to build confidence within his squad.

“I was very pleased with Tosin and Benoît Badiashile at the back, and Josh Acheampong is a young player full of potential,” Rosenior said. “I could honestly go through the entire team — I was delighted with them.”

Former Chelsea and England winger Joe Cole suggested Rosenior’s comments reflected a thoughtful approach to man-management.

“He’s clearly very emotionally intelligent,” Cole said. “The players he mentioned will know they’ve earned that praise. Marc Guiu might not have been involved constantly in the first half, but his movement was excellent. Those runs don’t always get noticed, but they’re vital when you’re playing against a deep defensive block.”

Chelsea now face a sterner test in Rosenior’s second match in charge, hosting Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.