2026-04-27 09:03:50
Calum McFarlane felt a sense of “relief” after guiding Chelsea to the FA Cup final.
The interim boss was pleased to “shift the momentum” for the Blues by overseeing a 1-0 victory over Leeds on Sunday (26.04.26) in his first game since the sacking of Liam Rosenior following a torrid run of seven losses in eight games.
McFarlane said: “Relief is the correct word. We were confident going into the game and we had a good three days [training], but you never know.
“We wanted to shift the momentum; our form hasn’t been great, but probably the character was the most pleasing part.
“I think those lads showed how much they want to win a football game and what they were willing to do to win a really important football game for the club.”
McFarlane took charge of two matches at Chelsea before Rosenior’s arrival in January and says the experience stood him in good stead for his latest temporary stint.
The coach said: “I did it for a week before, so I kind of knew what I was stepping into. It’s easier this time because I have a relationship with the players and I’ve worked with them for three or four months now.
“I’ve been a part of the backroom staff, so I had a feel for what they needed psychologically. It’s been intense.”
Chelsea will take on Manchester City in the final next month and McFarlane has urged his players to summon the same spirit that saw them defy the odds to beat PSG in the Club World Cup final last year.
He said: “You can come with a plan, but they’re [City] an exceptional side in really good form.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge. But we seem to raise our level. We saw that against PSG in the Club World Cup. It’s more about the character.”
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