Jorrel Hato reveals Liam Rosenior’s intensity demand after Chelsea FA Cup win

Jorrel Hato says Chelsea delivered exactly what Liam Rosenior demanded from his players, showing fight and intensity during their emphatic 5-1 FA Cup victory over Charlton Athletic.

The defender opened the scoring late in the first half and believes the performance reflected the clear message set by Chelsea’s new head coach ahead of his first match in charge.

Jorrel Hato was handed a rare start at The Valley and responded with a stunning half-volley just before the break, settling a tense opening period against stubborn Championship opposition.

Speaking after the match, the former Ajax defender said the squad knew exactly what was required.

“We knew it would be a difficult game,” Hato said.

“We expected Charlton to be physical, to play long balls and for there to be a lot of duels.

“The manager made it clear to us that we had to show a lot of fight. He demanded that intensity from us, and I think it showed.”

Rosenior made eight changes for the tie, handing opportunities to several players who had featured sparingly under former head coach Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea initially found the contest uncomfortable in front of a hostile crowd, but once Hato’s goal gave them the lead, control followed.

A header from Tosin Adarabioyo doubled the advantage early in the second half, before Miles Leaburn briefly reignited the contest.

Any doubt was quickly extinguished as Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández completed a convincing scoreline.

Hato admitted even he was taken aback by the quality of his opener — his first goal for the club.

“To be honest, I was a little surprised when it went in,” he said.

“That’s why I didn’t celebrate too much.”

The defender also explained how his role under Rosenior mirrors tactical instructions he received previously.

“It’s a new role for me,” he added.

“At Ajax I only ever played as a defender. Under Maresca I was asked to invert and join attacks, and now the new manager has asked the same.

“I’m happy to do it and I’m really enjoying the first few days under the gaffer.”

While tougher tests await, Rosenior will be encouraged by how quickly his demands translated into performance, particularly from squad players eager to impress.

For Hato, the opening goal and overall display marked a strong statement — both personally and collectively — at the start of a new chapter.

Chelsea move into the FA Cup fourth round with confidence, but attention now turns to consistency as Rosenior looks to embed his principles across competitions.

Has Liam Rosenior already found the mentality Chelsea have been missing this season?