Paul Merson’s latest column tackles the precarious future of Liam Rosenior after Chelsea’s recent collapse, highlighted by a crushing 3‑0 loss to Brighton at the Amex Stadium. The Blues are now enduring a historically poor spell, having suffered five straight league defeats without finding the net – a feat not seen in more than a century.
This disastrous run has seen the reigning champions slip to seventh place, trailing fifth‑placed Liverpool by seven points, even though Liverpool have a game in hand. Chelsea’s position is precarious; they sit above Brentford and Bournemouth only because of a superior goal difference, yet both rivals share the same points tally and also possess a game in hand. With an FA Cup semi‑final against Leeds looming, the club could find itself in the lower half of the table by the time the next Premier League fixture arrives. Merson, a lifelong Chelsea supporter of 52 years, reflects on his personal connection to the club, recalling his first match at the age of six.
He emphasizes that, despite the many defeats and relegation battles he has witnessed, he has never seen a Chelsea side that simply does not try. He contrasts the Brighton performance with Arsenal’s recent loss to Manchester City, noting that Arsenal at least created chances, whereas Chelsea’s display was "unacceptable at the highest level," a sentiment echoed by Rosenior himself after the game.
The former player‑turned‑coach stresses that professionalism demands 100 percent effort from every player. He describes the opening goal – a poorly timed header into the near post – as embarrassing, especially given the stature of the club, the packed away end, and the expectation that Chelsea should dominate.
Merson points out that while off‑days happen, the level of collective failure he witnessed was akin to a lower‑league side like Barnet holding a ball against Manchester City, a comparison that underscores how far below standard the Blues performed. He remarks that the squad, filled with players valued at £50‑70 million each, should not be delivering such sub‑par displays; to him, it borders on disgrace. He even draws a parallel with Burnley, who sit near the bottom of the table yet never cease to try, highlighting how shocked he is by Chelsea’s lack of effort.
"I have never seen that many players simultaneously failing to give their all," he writes, adding that Rosenior must be equally stunned, likely questioning how his team could perform so poorly. Merson calls for an urgent reality check.
He argues that the players, who enjoy the best job in sport and a global fan base, need to regroup, hold a meeting, and rediscover the motivation to compete. If they return to the pitch with the same attitude, they risk further embarrassment, especially against a determined Leeds side in the upcoming FA Cup semi‑final.
He speculates on Rosenior’s future, noting that his post‑match interview indicated he knows he is in serious danger and must protect his own interests. According to Merson, a manager’s dismissal typically stems from either fan pressure or a lack of player support. In Rosenior’s case, both factors appear to be at play. He believes the coach has taken responsibility for the defeat while also feeling betrayed by his squad, who he says “threw him under the bus.” Merson doubts Rosenior will receive a severance package that pays him out for the remainder of his contract, warning that appointing a manager with no top‑level experience to turn the club around instantly is unrealistic.
He expresses sympathy for Rosenior, describing the feeling of watching a team that does not run for you as "the worst feeling in the world." He points out that many of Chelsea’s key signings are on long‑term contracts, purchased with the expectation that they would deliver trophies. Yet players like Alejandro Garnacho, signed in the summer, may depart if the situation does not improve, and star midfielder Enzo Fernández has already hinted at a move to Real Madrid.
Merson notes that selling Fernández for less than the £100 million fee Chelsea paid would force the club to offload other assets, such as Cole Palmer, at a loss, eroding any potential profit. The column concludes with a stark assessment: while a new manager may eventually arrive, the club’s current model does not attract proven, top‑tier coaches.
The only realistic short‑term hope is a cup run, but even that is uncertain. Merson urges Chelsea fans and the board to recognize that the players’ lack of commitment, not necessarily Rosenior’s tactics, is the primary issue.
He predicts that opposition teams will view the Brighton loss as one of the worst performances ever seen from a club of Chelsea’s stature, and he warns that without a dramatic turnaround, the Blues could face a season of disappointment and potential relegation‑type struggles.