Calum McFarlane issues rallying cry as he sends message to Chelsea fans ahead of Man City clash | OneFootball

Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane has called for the support of the fans ahead of the game with Manchester City.

The Blues head to The Etihad on Sunday without Enzo Maresca who parted ways with the club on Thursday after 18 months in charge.

Under-21s boss McFarlane has been tasked with preparing the team and trying to get a result against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Calum McFarlane sends message to Chelsea fans

It’s been some start to the year for Chelsea, but Maresca leaving will need to be quickly forgotten about as the focus switches to matters on the pitch.

The Blues sit fifth, and have won just one of their last seven Premier League games, and can’t afford to drop more points in the race for Champions League football.

Maresca left Chelsea on Thursday after 18 months in charge. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Chelsea’s task has been made even harder with Moises Caicedo suspended after getting booked against Bournemouth.

Marc Cucurella could return after missing the draw with the Cherries, but a final decision on whether he’ll feature hasn’t been taken.

McFarlane really has been thrown in at the deep end, and he faced the media for the first time on Friday, and had a message for the supporters.

“We need your support, the players need your support, staff need your support,” he told Sky Sports.

Liam Rosenior leading candidate for Chelsea job

Whilst McFarlane prepares the team for Sunday, Chelsea are continuing their process to appoint a new manager with Liam Rosenior said to be the leading candidate.

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Rosenior currently manages Strasbourg, who are also owned by BlueCo and negotiations are reportedly going well.

The 41-year-old is currently preparing for Strasbourg’s game against Nice this weekend, but if everything goes well the expectation is he will be the new Chelsea manager, and he could reportedly be in the dug out as early as Wednesday’s game against Fulham.