Calum McFarlane reveals biggest Chelsea challenge after Liam Rosenior sacking

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·24. April 2026

Calum McFarlane reveals biggest Chelsea challenge after Liam Rosenior sacking

Assistant coach takes interim charge for second time this term

The Blues are in disarray following Wednesday’s sacking of head coach Liam Rosenior after only three and a half months in charge.

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Chelsea have lost seven of their past eight matches in all competitions, with McFarlane promoted to interim head coach for the second time since the turn of the year in order to save their season.

His first match on Sunday is an FA Cup semi-final against Leeds but comes just five days after the outgoing Rosenior called out the lack of professionalism and “indefensible” performance they put in as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion that has all but ended their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

When asked what the biggest challenge ahead is for Chelsea, McFarlane, in his first press conference on Friday, replied: “Making sure that the lads are prepared for the strengths of Leeds and making sure we're ready to expose the weaknesses.

“There's still a lot of belief in this group. I know it's been tough recently, but we've had some good games this year, good performances against top sides in recent history. There's a lot of talent.”

The 40-year-old continued: “Some of those players in there are some of the best players in the world for their position. There's still a belief within us. We can turn this around and get our season back on track.”