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'Games you live for': Rosenior relishes Chelsea's PSG tie / Photo: © AFP
'Games you live for': Rosenior relishes Chelsea's PSG tie
Liam Rosenior can't wait for Chelsea's blockbuster Champions League last 16 clash with Paris Saint-Germain after they were paired with the "fantastic" holders in Friday's draw.
Rosenior is a big fan of the French champions after watching them dominate during his time in charge at Strasbourg.
The chance to pit his wits against PSG boss Luis Enrique and his star-studded team is exactly why Rosenior went into management.
The Blues will travel to Paris for the first leg in March before hosting PSG at Stamford Bridge a week later.
"So excited. PSG are a fantastic team. I have experience of playing against them in France. I have always admired them. Luis Enrique has done an incredible job," Rosenior told reporters on Friday.
"These are the games you live for, games that you come into football for.
"It's going to be a great tie. But we've got another three games before that, that I need to focus on."
Chelsea have faced PSG nine times before, winning 3-0 in their most recent meeting in the Club World Cup final in July.
The west Londoners' victory in New Jersey came under Rosenior's predecessor Enzo Maresca, who departed in January to open the opportunity for the 41-year-old to move to Chelsea from Ligue 1.
Rosenior faced PSG three times during his Strasbourg spell, winning one, drawing one and losing once.
For now, Rosenior is focused on the equally tricky task of beating Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Chelsea head to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday looking to avenge their League Cup semi-final loss to the Gunners earlier this season.
The Blues sit fifth in the table as they aim to qualify for next season's Champions League.
"I don't judge one game as harder as the other. There's different tactical things you can work on," Rosenior said.
"I'm really happy with the group and the start we have made. We've won eight out of 12 and it should be 10 out of 12. That's not bad.
"This club should be in the Champions League, this club is a Champions League club. When I took over, we were eighth. We're now in the race."
Rosenior also backed Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana after he was subjected to racist abuse on social media following his red card in the draw against Burnley last weekend.
"It was a tough day for Wes. First for what happened in the game and the racist abuse he got online," he said.
"It affects you in ways that shouldn't exist. It's something we have to try and eradicate from life and football. He is strong and has trained this week."
O. Henrique--JDB
