Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior says online criticism and mockery do not concern him, insisting he remains comfortable being himself despite becoming a frequent target on social media.
Rosenior has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge, recording seven wins from his first nine matches in charge.
However, his results have not prevented fans from poking fun at his appearance, touchline mannerisms and media engagements.
“I’m not afraid to be myself”
The 40-year-old, who previously managed Hull City and Strasbourg, acknowledged that his appointment surprised many observers and believes the reaction comes with the territory of managing a high-profile club.
“I’m not a massive name,” Rosenior said. “I’ve come from a different type of club. I’m a different type of character.”
Rosenior has attracted online nicknames such as “LinkedIn Liam” for his articulate press conference responses and has also been compared to fictional television characters. He said such commentary has no impact on how he approaches the job.
“I’m not afraid to be myself,” he said. “If I wear glasses, if I sound a little bit over the top when I speak, or articulate myself in a certain way, or I don’t look like a manager, it doesn’t bother me at all.”
Family aware, focus remains football
Rosenior revealed he is not active on social media and only hears about the jokes through his teenage children, who are more exposed to online platforms.
“The reason I know is because I’ve got teenage children,” he said. “They’re on social media. It affects them, it affects my parents and my family. But I knew walking into this job it was going to happen. It’s normal.”
He added that resilience is a requirement for top-level management.
“If you’re affected by things like that, you shouldn’t be in this job,” Rosenior said. “When you’re prepared for it, it makes you smile.”
Results the ultimate measure
Rosenior also referenced criticism following a widely shared moment of poor ball control during Chelsea’s defeat at Arsenal, admitting it added to the online reaction.
“I didn’t help myself with my first touch at Arsenal,” he said. “But it comes with the territory.”
Despite the noise, Rosenior believes perceptions will eventually shift. “I know in time people will start judging me by what they see on the pitch,” he said.