Sports
Hato lifts lid on life under Rosenior after positive Chelsea start
Chelsea goalscorer Jorrel Hato said the Blues showed the fight and intensity “demanded” by new head coach Liam Rosenior during Saturday’s 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton.
There will be sterner tests ahead as Chelsea attempt to rebuild their season under the former Hull City manager, but there was plenty to admire in the way a much-changed side coped with the hostile atmosphere at The Valley before overwhelming their Championship opponents in the second half.
Hato gave Chelsea the lead in stoppage time before the break with a superb half-volley, his first goal for the club, turning what had been a tricky contest in front of a vociferous south London crowd into a far more comfortable afternoon.
“We knew it would be a difficult game,” said Hato, who was handed a rare start after being used sparingly by former manager Enzo Maresca. “We expected Charlton to be physical, to play a lot of long balls and for there to be a lot of duels all over the pitch.
“But we knew if we matched the energy then our quality should come through and I think that showed in the end.”
Rosenior made eight changes to his side, yet Chelsea were particularly impressive in how players with limited recent involvement fitted in seamlessly. Hato said the manager’s message before kick-off was clear.
“The manager made it clear to us coming into this game that we would need to show a lot of fight. He demanded that intensity of us and it worked. Winning 5-1 is very good.”
Chelsea doubled their lead shortly after half-time when Tosin Adarabioyo headed in from Facundo Buonanotte’s free-kick, before Charlton briefly reignited the contest through Miles Leaburn.
Any hopes of a comeback were short-lived, however, as Marc Guiu restored Chelsea’s two-goal cushion by converting a rebound.
Substitute appearances from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez added further control and polish late on, with both scoring in stoppage time.
Hato’s opening goal proved the main talking point of Rosenior’s first match in charge, although the former Ajax defender admitted he did not expect the strike to find the net.
“To be honest I was a little bit surprised when it went in so that’s why I didn’t really celebrate too much,” he said.
“I enjoy being able to help offensively as well as defensively. It’s a new role for me because during my time at Ajax I only ever played as a defender.
“Maresca wanted me to invert and join in attacks previously and now the new manager has asked the same of me.
“It’s a new role but one I’m happy to do and I’m really enjoying the first few days under the gaffer.”
