"We are going into a period of games where, for example, Romeo Lavia can be really important because he has to play minutes. We have to get him up to speed. Dario Essugo, we have to give him time on the pitch. [Lavia] is a top player, but you can't expect perfection from a player who's been out for four months."
"It's not just about your first 11 or your first 12 players to get us to where we want to be. The only way our players and our squad are going to help us achieve what I think is possible is for them to be sharp and ready. The amount of games my squad have had in the last 18 months is the biggest in the world."
Chelsea secured a 4-2 extra-time victory over Championship side Wrexham in the FA Cup, advancing to the last eight. Despite making nine alterations to their starting lineup following a 4-1 midweek win over Aston Villa, Chelsea were pushed hard by their lower-division opponents. Wrexham took the lead twice through own goal and Callum Doyle, but Chelsea equalized through Josh Acheampong before Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro scored in extra-time. Manager Rosenior defended his rotation strategy, emphasizing the need to manage player fitness across an unprecedented fixture schedule and integrate returning players like Romeo Lavia into match action.
Read at Soccer News
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