Liam Rosenior has tackled a couple of disciplinary matters ahead of Chelsea's encounter with Brighton and Hove Albion. The Blues manager has had plenty on his plate of late, balancing off-pitch concerns while attempting to secure positive results.
Earlier this month, Enzo Fernandez was subjected to an internal suspension. During the March international window, the Chelsea midfielder questioned his long-term prospects at Stamford Bridge, keeping the possibility of a summer transfer to Real Madrid on the table.
His remarks were poorly received during an already challenging spell for the west London outfit, resulting in him being dropped for two fixtures. With Fernandez absent, Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo led the Blues as captain, wearing the armband against Port Vale and Manchester City, respectively.
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When the Argentine returned to the starting XI at the weekend, as Chelsea took on Manchester United, he appeared to have been stripped of his vice-captaincy. His midfield colleague kept hold of the armband instead.
Addressing journalists at Chelsea's training facility on Monday, Rosenior clarified why Caicedo has taken on the armband. The Blues manager said, as per football.london: "Moi leads by example. I'm delighted that he's committed his long-term future to the club.
"He's somebody who leads by example in his bravery, the way he takes the ball, the way that he presses and tackles and runs and fights for the team. They're all the values that I believe get you success."
Just as Rosenior believed he had deflected attention away from his dressing room, tensions erupted during Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United. Having been substituted for Trevoh Chalobah in the closing stages, Wesley Fofana made his frustrations plain for all to see.
In footage captured by a supporter in the stands that spread rapidly across social media, the Chelsea defender stormed down the tunnel without so much as acknowledging his head coach. When a member of the Blues' backroom staff attempted to approach Fofana, he brushed aside the outstretched arm.
Rosenior was pressed on the incident ahead of Chelsea's trip down south. The Blues boss said: "I've got sent two videos. One of Enzo walking past me and then it was cut before he turned around and hugged me and shook my hand. I know how these things work.
"Wes is a very emotional character in a good way. I love him. As a guy, he's not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. I've spoken to him about it and he's just disappointed that we're losing the game.
"I don't think he could have shown that emotion in a better way and that's something that I've spoken about but the optics on that is not the reality. The reality is I've got a really good group.
"We're working really, really hard for me and for the staff and for the club. At the moment, the results aren't going that way and then people start reading more into it than what it actually is.
"Wes apologized for his reaction, but these are young players who are going to make mistakes in the moment."