Calum McFarlane sends message to underperforming Chelsea stars ahead of Xabi Alonso arrival | OneFootball

Chelsea interim head coach Calum McFarlane has issued a stark challenge to his squad, insisting they must prove their consistency to incoming manager Xabi Alonso as the club’s underwhelming season draws to a close.

Alonso’s appointment on a four-year deal, which was confirmed on Sunday, has ignited optimism that Chelsea are ready to learn from past missteps and emerge from a prolonged period of underachievement.

The 44-year-old, a favoured candidate throughout the selection process, is internally hoped to leverage his formidable standing and reputation in the game to elevate standards within the squad and eradicate a perceived culture of excuses.

The urgency for improvement is underscored by recent results. The Blues suffered a 1-0 defeat by Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final, effectively closing their most likely route into European competition next season. Their Premier League form has been equally dismal, with no wins since March 4 and just one point collected from their last seven outings.

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Xabi Alonso will be Chelsea's next manager (PA)

Ahead of Tuesday’s Stamford Bridge clash against Tottenham, McFarlane believes the players must demonstrate to their new manager, who may be in attendance, that they are capable of far more than their current league standing suggests.

"We’ve seen what they’re capable of and they need to do it on a more consistent basis," McFarlane stated. "With all the injuries in our squad, we went toe to toe with Man City. It was an even game, a 50-50 game.

"(Antoine) Semenyo decided it with a bit of quality, but that could have been a Chelsea player. It shows the level of this group. We haven’t done it on a consistent basis. But there’s been a lot of change. There’s been a lot that’s gone on at the club.

“It’s not my place to say what’s right or wrong, but that can affect momentum, can affect the group. When they’re at their best, they’re up there with anyone in Europe."

Player attitude has been a significant concern this season, with some members of the squad appearing to down tools under former boss Liam Rosenior, who, despite being liked, struggled to command the dressing room’s full respect.

Alonso has been chosen precisely because his achievements serve as a powerful example. A two-time Champions League winner as a player with Liverpool and Real Madrid, he guided Bayer Leverkusen to an historic unbeaten title-winning season in the Bundesliga two years ago.

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Calum McFarlane wants Chelsea’s star to perform more consistently (PA)

McFarlane expressed confidence in the new pairing.

"It doesn’t surprise me," he said. "It’s a massive club, we’ve got really exciting players, some of the best players in the world. They’ve shown at times the quality that we have. It’s a massive club and it will always attract top players and top managers.

"He sent me a text message yesterday, I’ll keep that private. Mainly around the final. We’ve had a brief conversation by text. Everyone at the club is excited.

“A great coach, had a really good career so far, won major trophies. A great playing career. He will have a lot of respect form everyone. It’s a really exciting appointment."