At a Glance
- Calum McFarlane named interim manager of Chelsea.
- Chelsea will face Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City on Sunday.
- Chelsea sits 5th, three points behind Liverpool and three ahead of Fulham.
- Why it matters: The appointment signals a search for stability amid a managerial carousel and sets up a high-stakes clash against a top-tier club.
With Enzo Maresca’s sudden exit, Chelsea has turned to former Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane as interim manager. McFarlane will take charge of the Blues in their first Premier League match of the month, a 1-0 home game against Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City. The appointment comes as the club looks for a long-term replacement.
Interim Manager Takes the Helm
McFarlane was elevated after his security pass was upgraded to allow him access to the first-team building. He led training on Friday, saying the energy was exceptional.
Calum McFarlane said:
> “It’s been a crazy 24 hours, a whirlwind as you can imagine, but it’s also been really enjoyable and exciting.”
He also praised the squad’s focus and hunger.
Calum McFarlane added:
> “The energy and enthusiasm in training was exceptional today. They seem really focused, they’re really driven, hungry. They know we’ve got a massive game on Sunday, and we’re going to have to be at our best.”
- Former Under-21s coach at Chelsea
- Worked in City academy 2020-21
- Spent time at Southampton
- Joined Chelsea’s coaching staff
Chelsea’s Current Standings
Chelsea starts the second half of the Premier League season in 5th place. The Blues are three points back of fourth-place Liverpool but also just three points ahead of 11th-place Fulham.
| Manager | Tenure | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Enzo Maresca | 18 months | Won Conference League & Club World Cup |
| Calum McFarlane | Interim | Former Under-21s coach, City academy 2020-21, Southampton, Chelsea |
The match at City is the first of 9 matches for Chelsea this month in all competitions.
Chelsea is seeking a fifth full-time manager since the takeover of the club by American investors, fronted by Todd Boehly, in May 2022.
McFarlane will face a manager who has surpassed the 1,000-game mark in charge.
Key Takeaways
- Calum McFarlane is Chelsea’s interim manager.
- Chelsea faces Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City on Sunday.
- The club sits 5th, three points behind Liverpool.
Chelsea’s new interim coach is set to lead the Blues into a high-stakes clash as the club seeks stability amid a turbulent managerial search.
