Chelsea: Calum McFarlane reveals Liam Rosenior conversation after sacking

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Evening Standard

·24 April 2026

Chelsea: Calum McFarlane reveals Liam Rosenior conversation after sacking

Assistant coach gets second chance as interim boss

Calum McFarlane has confirmed there has been no clear-the-air meeting with the Chelsea players following Liam Rosenior’s sacking but revealed details of a phone call between the new interim head coach and outgoing boss.

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McFarlane has begun a second period as interim head coach following Rosenior’s sacking and is preparing to take charge of Chelsea for the remainder of the season.

He was one of Rosenior’s assistants during the 41-year-old’s three and a half months in charge and will lead them in the dugout for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds and beyond.

“We haven't had a clear-the-air meeting,” McFarlane said. “We are getting the group focused for Sunday, spoken about the game plan and how we're going to approach the game both in and out of possession.

“It's really important that we have a real focus for the game on Sunday. You 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.”

Asked what the biggest challenge ahead for his team is, McFarlane said: “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.

“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.”