Every word Liam Rosenior said on arrests in Hull vs Chelsea, Pedro Neto heroics, injury concern

The full transcript from Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior’s post-match press conference following the Blues’ 4-0 victory over Hull City in the FA Cup fourth round

Liam Rosenior has just completed his post-match press conference following Chelsea’s 4-0 victory over Hull City on Friday evening.

Pedro Neto scored a hat-trick to inspire the Blues into the FA Cup fifth round, with Estevao Willian also scoring after some fine work from Liam Delap. Rosenior has just reflected on what he saw against his former club and here is every word the Chelsea head coach had to say:

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The stadium announcer confirmed there have been some arrests due to discriminatory language. What would be your message to anyone involved?

Well, without knowing what has happened, I don’t know. Any discriminatory language in any form about anything is unacceptable, so I hope it gets dealt with. The fourth official mentioned something to me, but I was so focused on the game. I honestly don’t know what’s happening.

Pedro Neto was one of many positives…

I think the overall positive thing was the application of the team. I thought our pressing, our intensity, our work rate, and Pedro exemplified that, to be honest. That’s why he scores the goals that he does. I’m very lucky to have such talented players. What I’m really realising quickly, not just that they’re good players, they’re outstanding professionals. I felt it was a really professional performance tonight against a very good team who are pushing for the Premier League. This is not an easy game. Some of our football was everything I want to see, but before that, the values of what the team stood for tonight made me a very happy coach.

A nice, positive reception from the Hull fans…

Yes, a really nice way to end. It’s mad how life works. It was a sad moment, leaving the club, but now obviously things work out for a reason. It’s great to see this club pushing for the Premier League as well. It was a nice evening and I really wish them all the best in the future.

You must be really pleased with Mamadou Sarr, how he came into the side. What did you make of his performance?

Mamadou was everything that I expect. I know Mamadou so well. I think the climatisation adaptation process for him hopefully will be faster because he understands the way I want to play, and he already showed that today. But I don’t want to single players out. I just felt the whole team, from Garnacho’s energy and running Liam Delap, Estevao, midfield players, the back unit, Rob Sanchez. I just felt it was a really, really strong team performance and that’s what makes me so happy this evening.

Can I just check on Marc Cucurella?

Yes, at the moment he’s not fit. There’s an issue with his hamstring. I don’t know. I can’t give you a time frame on it at the moment.

I know you don’t want to single people out, but going back to Pedro Neto, I don’t know whether you’re aware that he seems to have quite a lot of stick online. Is that something that you’re aware of?

No, I’m not aware of it. I don’t know why that would be the case because Pedro Neto brings us so many different qualities that you need. For me, he’s a world-class player. He’s a world-class winger and what I love about him, as talented as he is and as gifted as he is, which he showed today, what he sacrifices for the team at times is top. He’s going to be really, really important for us for where I think we can get to and what we can achieve for the rest of the season.

And just quickly on Cole Palmer, was that just managing minutes?

Managing. Managing him. Brilliant to see Reece [James] back on the pitch. Brilliant for him to get those 60 minutes. I was planning on giving Enzo [Fernandez] 45 minutes with Moi [Caicedo]. I’m trying to manage their minutes. In the end, I felt it was right for Moi to stay on for 60. I’m delighted they’ve all come through unscathed and now, for the first time in a long time, they’ve got a full week to prepare for Burnley.

What did you make of Liam Delap’s performance?

Top. To be a No.9, especially in a system that we play, it’s not always about yourself. It’s about bringing other people into play. It’s about sometimes making sacrifice runs so other players get the space and I thought in terms of, again, he started our press so well. But it’s nice in a way that you’re singling so many different players out, which means it’s a really strong team performance. And from 1-15, I felt it was a really, really strong performance tonight.

You must have liked his assist for Estevao particularly…

Fantastic. Yeah, a great run. That’s what Liam’s all about, running him behind, using his speed and then his awareness to pick out Estevao was top.

Were you expecting that kind of reception from the home fans and obviously you heard it during the game as well?

Yeah, to be honest, you just never know and I didn’t really think about it. I really just focus on my job. I always have a special, special feeling for this club, regardless of how I was being received today. But for the fans, they were top. I’ve had so many good moments with them and I appreciate and thank them for the reception they gave me.

In your analysis of City, do you think this is a team ready for the Premier League? Do you think they can man that challenge for the remaining 15 games?

I just think, analysing the games and knowing the characters in the dressing room and what the club are trying to build, I think that the spirit, the character of the team and their threat in transition, they’re going to be a difficult team. I really, really hope it happens. So I wish them all the best. It’s so nice to see so many really, really welcoming faces here. And I think the manager’s doing a fantastic job and I wish them all the best.

Off to see Acun [Ilicali, Hull City owner] now?

First, I’m going to go and see my opposing manager, have a beer with him because he welcomed me really, really well, and then I’ll go and see Acun upstairs.

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