Chelsea: Calum McFarlane to take charge for Fulham game as Liam Rosenior talks progress

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Evening Standard

·5 January 2026

Chelsea: Calum McFarlane to take charge for Fulham game as Liam Rosenior talks progress

Under-21s boss will take charge for west London derby on Wednesday

Chelsea’s talks with Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior progressed on Monday and are continuing, but caretaker boss Calum McFarlane will take charge against Fulham.

Standard Sport understands the Blues have decided to keep their under-21s head coach in temporary charge of the first team for Wednesday’s trip to Craven Cottage.

The first match after Enzo Maresca’s New Year’s Day departure saw the Blues nick a late 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Sunday evening on McFarlane’s watch.

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McFarlane gives Chelsea’s pre-match press conference at 12pm on Tuesday ahead of the Fulham game.

It is understood that Chelsea are preparing for Saturday’s FA Cup game at Charlton Athletic to be Rosenior’s first match in charge. He is fully expected to be appointed in time to take charge of that game.

Rosenior is returning to Strasbourg to hold a press conference - likely on Tuesday morning - when he is expected to say his farewells before taking the helm at Stamford Bridge.

Strasbourg are whittling down a three-man shortlist to replace him and sources at the French club have always maintained Rosenior would not sign a contract at Chelsea until their own suitable replacement is found.

Former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil was among the names considered by the BlueCo consortium that also runs Chelsea.

The west Londoners have a busy run through January, taking on Arsenal in the League Cup semi-finals before a clash with Brentford.

They then host Pafos and travel to Crystal Palace before a final Champions League trip to Napoli and home league game against West Ham to round off the month.