Chelsea unveiled Liam Rosenior as their latest permanent manager last week. The 41-year-old succeeds Enzo Maresca, joining the Blues from Strasbourg on a six-year deal. While many have been critical of the appointment, Chelsea's first team appears encouraged by the Englishman's arrival.
Rosenior's record elsewhere, including at Hull City, where he managed 78 games and averaged 1.40 points-per-game, is not reminiscent of a tactician expected to lead the Stamford Bridge dugout. The 41-year-old's relative inexperience and the fact he is unproven in the Premier League raised eyebrows, but last weekend's FA Cup convincing 5-1 away win over Charlton has seen him get off to the best start possible.
Tougher tests than Charlton in the FA Cup's Third Round await, though, and with league leaders and rivals Arsenal preparing to travel to Stamford Bridge for Wednesday's EFL Cup semi-final first-leg, it is clear Rosenior has his work cut out. According to 19-year-old Jorrel Hato, though, the former Strasbourg boss has already sent a positive message.
Jorrel Hato reveals what Liam Rosenior said during first Chelsea team meeting
Likely to be one of many to benefit from Rosenior's appointment, Hato, who is already an established senior Netherlands international, believes the whole squad is 'excited' to work under their new boss.
Explaining how he feels about Rosenior taking over from Maresca, following a period of time he describes as 'difficult', the young left-back, who spoke to Chelsea FC, said:
"Everyone is excited to work with the new coach and the new energy he brings. It has been a difficult time, changing managers and the last couple of games we didn’t win, but now with the new manager we have a fresh start for everyone.
I have a lot of faith in my team-mates and in the new manager to be better and win these games. He spoke to us about the winning mentality, so we’re looking forward to getting started."
Since joining from Ajax last summer for a reported fee of £35.5m, plus add-ons, Hato has struggled for game time. The teenager has made just 12 appearances in all competitions so far this season with just two of those being Premier League starts.
Clearly out of favour under Maresca, Hato will be hoping Rosenior's passion for developing youth will allow him the perfect platform to really kickstart his Chelsea career as he seeks to become one of England's most highly rated young full-backs.
As a result of what was a fine display against Nathan Jones' Charlton last weekend, Hato, who scored from a thunderbolt strike, will be hoping his recent FA Cup performance has done enough to earn him another run out against Mikel Arteta's Gunners later this week.