Chelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane, has insisted their season is not beyond rescue despite a bruising run that cost Liam Rosenior his job on Wednesday, April 22.
Calum McFarlane faced the media earlier today, April 24, before Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United, urging calm after a turbulent spell at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea head into the tie on the back of five straight Premier League defeats without scoring. A 3-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday proved the final blow for Rosenior, whose reign ended after just 106 days.
Confusion briefly surrounded the change on Friday morning when the club website mistakenly promoted Rosenior’s press conference moments before McFarlane appeared.
The former under-21 coach was pressed on reports of a dressing-room rift and asked if players had stopped playing for the manager.
“Who’s to say? It’s not anything I would comment on,” he said, adding that there had been no clear-the-air meeting.
Despite seven defeats in eight games, McFarlane struck an upbeat tone.
“I know it’s been tough recently, but we’ve had some good games this year, good performances against top sides in recent history,” he 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.”
The caretaker boss also confirmed a major injury setback for teenage Brazilian winger Estevao Willian.
“Estevao, unfortunately, won’t play for us this season,” he said. “He’s going to be out for a little bit of time.
“So, that’s really unfortunate, especially for someone so young and so talented, but we’re here to support him and be around him.”
McFarlane previously stepped in earlier this year following the departure of Enzo Maresca and now faces another rescue mission, with the FA Cup offering Chelsea their last realistic shot at silverware.
