Liam Rosenior leapt to the defence of Filip Jorgensen after the goalkeeper’s costly error contributed to Chelsea’s 5–2 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

Jorgensen’s misplaced pass in the 74th minute was intercepted and ultimately led to Vitinha scoring PSG’s third goal, a moment that sparked a late collapse for the visitors.

“Players make mistakes and Filip is not the first one to do so. It is part of football but obviously it is bitter,” Rosenior said after the match.

Before that turning point, Chelsea had fought hard to stay in the contest. Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele had given PSG the lead twice, but the Blues responded through Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez to keep the score level.

Even after Vitinha’s goal, Chelsea thought they had drawn level again when Joao Pedro found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for a tight offside decision. PSG then sealed the win with two late goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, giving the French champions a three-goal cushion heading into the return leg.

Rosenior admitted the final stages of the match proved decisive.

“It is a very disappointing result on an evening where for much of the game I was really happy with the performance,” he said.
“The last 15 to 20 minutes were crazy in many aspects, and that is on me.
Setbacks happen but you have to stay calm in the moment and we didn’t and we were punished by a very good team.”

The Chelsea coach acknowledged how painful the defeat was after his side had competed strongly for most of the match.

“It is a painful one because for 70 minutes we were in the tie and the game.”

Rosenior’s decision to start Jorgensen ahead of Robert Sanchez will likely draw scrutiny, particularly as the Danish goalkeeper was making only his third Champions League appearance this season.

However, Rosenior explained that the choice was based on tactical considerations.

“Both have different qualities. Rob is outstanding from crosses and an outstanding shot-stopper,” he said.
“I am trying to win in the short term and in the long term.”

He added that Jorgensen’s ability with the ball at his feet had influenced the selection.

“I feel Filip has different qualities and one of those qualities, which he showed against Aston Villa, is that we were so calm in possession, which we were not before.

“Coming here against a really high-pressing team, if you stay calm and play through the initial press you can cause a lot of problems, which we did.”

Rosenior revealed that Jorgensen immediately accepted responsibility for the mistake after the match.

“The first thing is credit to him. He held his hands up in the dressing room.
Mistakes happen. Everybody makes mistakes, and what we have to do is look after each other.”

Chelsea must quickly refocus, with a crucial Premier League match against Newcastle United coming up in three days.

“We want to see a real reaction and resilience about us in the next game,” Rosenior said.

While Chelsea face a busy schedule before hosting PSG at Stamford Bridge next week, PSG will benefit from extra rest after their Ligue 1 match against FC Nantes was postponed.

PSG coach Luis Enrique praised his side’s persistence but stressed the job is not finished.

“We kept trying to play against a very physical and very good technical team,” he said.
“We need to keep going and also rest to prepare for the second leg.”

The Spaniard also acknowledged comparisons with last season’s European triumph but warned that replicating that level is difficult.

“There are all the comparisons with last year but it is impossible to be at that level,” Enrique said.
“We are very resilient — I think that is a word which defines our team — and we are very happy.”