Rosenior aims to avoid playoffs ahead of 'dream' Champions League debut

Liam Rosenior stated it is a "dream" to manage in the Champions League as his Chelsea side look to move closer to the top eight when they host Pafos on Wednesday.

Chelsea are currently 13th in the league phase, just two points off the automatic last 16 places in Europe's elite competition with two games to go.

The Blues are unbeaten in their last 14 home games in the Champions League group stage/league phase (W10 D4), winning the last five in a row, including all three this season by an aggregate score of 9-1.

This is just Chelsea's third-ever meeting with Cypriot opposition, winning 1-0 away and drawing 2-2 at home with APOEL Nicosia in the 2009-10 Champions League previously.

Although it will be a landmark game in Rosenior, he is fully focused on avoiding two extra play-off games in the competition.

"Your dream, as a player or manager, is to be at the top of the game – the Champions League is a signal of that," said Rosenior.

"It's not about me; my focus is on winning the game and being successful here.

"It would be optimal, it would be great [to finish in the top eight]. When you're a new manager coming in, you want those extra training days to work."

Ahead of their Champions League clash, midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Fernandez has played the most games of any Chelsea player this season (38, including the Club World Cup), and has directly contributed to the most goals (16 – nine goals, seven assists).

"It means nothing to me," said Rosenior of the rumours surrounding Fernandez.

"When you're a world-class player, there is always going to be speculation you cannot control. Enzo has been outstanding in the time I have worked with him.

"He was ill on Saturday. The way he covered the ground, it surprised me. He's a Chelsea player. I hope we're going to have a successful working relationship in the long-term and short-term."