Chelsea players are united, interim boss Calum McFarlane says, as focus shifts to FA Cup semi
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Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane has said that his players are still united as they try to turn their season around.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Chelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane says they are not dwelling on the firing of previous manager Liam Rosenior, instead focusing on beating Leeds United on April 26 to reach the FA Cup final.
The 40-year-old, who was briefly the Blues’ interim coach in January when Enzo Maresca left, was appointed for the second time after the club sacked Rosenior on April 22 amid a five-match losing streak without scoring a single goal in the English Premier League.
“We haven’t had a clear-the-air meeting, we have got the group focused for Sunday,” McFarlane, who was a part of Rosenior’s backroom staff, told reporters on April 24. “It’s important we have a real focus for the game on Sunday.
“We can’t be thinking about anything else, what’s gone on in the past doesn’t need to be spoken about. It’s just everything geared towards Sunday.”
McFarlane added that he spoke to Rosenior on the day he was fired.
“He was good, it was a good conversation,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for Liam.
“I didn’t know him before he came to the club, he welcomed me in brilliantly. I have a great relationship with him and I am gutted it didn’t work out.”
While Chelsea are struggling – with seven defeats in eight matches in all competitions – as they chase silverware and a Champions League spot, the caretaker boss insisted there was still “a lot of belief” the Blues could turn their season around.
“I know it’s been tough recently, but we’ve had some good games this year, good performances against top sides in recent history,” McFarlane said.
“So there’s a lot of talent. Some of those players in there are some of the best players in the world for their position. So there’s still a belief within us. We can turn this around and get our season back on track.”
Chelsea, who are eyeing their first FA Cup title since 2018, will be without winger Estevao Willian for the rest of the season, after he suffered a hamstring injury during last week’s 1-0 loss to Manchester United.
“Estevao unfortunately won’t play for us this season. He is going to be out for a little bit of time,” McFarlane said amid media reports that the Brazil international, who turned 19 on April 24, is a doubt for the World Cup starting on June 11.
“So, that’s really unfortunate, especially for someone so young and so talented, but we’re here to support him and be around him.”
The FA Cup aside, Chelsea are eighth in the Premier League, seven points below the top five who will qualify for the Champions League. But the players are nonetheless united, McFarlane reiterated.
“We have spoken to the group about the remaining games and what is still to play for. Everyone is united. We want to win every game from now until the end of the season,” he added.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke, meanwhile, believes Chelsea will be “back to their best” in their semi-final clash, as the match could act as a reset for the players.
“I expect a side who will try to prove that it’s a fresh start, and right now the burden has been lifted, and they want to show what they’re capable of,” he said.
“We play a side which is packed with top-class players, with unbelievable potential. Chelsea have one of the most talented squads in world football...
“But we have shown also against the top sides that we’re capable of bringing a performance and to deliver a result. We are greedy also to be successful in this game. We are a bit the underdog anyhow, but also the underdog who has a chance.” REUTERS, AFP
