McFarlane targets FA Cup amid Chelsea's rich history of interim managers lifting trophies | OneFootball

Calum McFarlane will lead Chelsea into today's FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United, having been appointed as interim manager until the end of the season.

McFarlane has stepped in to replace the sacked Liam Rosenior, and will oversee the remainder of the campaign as Chelsea conduct their recruitment process.

TheFA Cup offers McFarlane a chance to win major silverware as interim manager. It would not be the first time that Chelsea have enjoyed silverware success under a caretaker coach.

Three times interim managers led Chelsea to major trophies

Guus Hiddink

Guus Hiddink was named as interim manager at Chelsea following the decision to sack Luiz Felipe Scolari in 2008/09. The Dutchman took the reins until the summer, while continuing his duties with the Russian national team.

Hiddink was an instant success, losing just once in 22 matches across all competitions. The campaign culminated with FA Cup success, as Chelsea beat Everton 2-1 at Wembley.

Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard scored the goals as Chelsea came from behind, after Louis Saha had struck inside 25 seconds for Everton.

Despite pleas to stay on as permanent manager, Hiddick departed at the end of the season.

Roberto Di Matteo

Roberto Di Matteo was promoted from his role as assistant manager to interim coach in 2011/12, after Andres Villas-Boas was sacked as manager. A remarkable impact saw the Italian lead Chelsea to a thrilling Champions League comeback against Napoli, as the Blues overturned a 3-1 deficit from the first leg to progress.

That win kick-started a run of momentum for Di Matteo's side. Chelsea thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 in the FA Cup semi-finals, before beating Liverpool in the final at Wembley.

An incredible European campaign continued with wins against Benfica and Barcelona, to set up a final against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

On an unforgettable night,Chelsea became the first London side to win the Champions League after a shootout success against the German giants. Di Matteo's double-winning feats saw him handed the permanent position.

Rafael Benitez

Rafael Benitez was an unpopular appointment at Chelsea, as the Spaniard stepped in for the sacked Di Matteo in November 2012. Benitez's time with rivals Liverpool, and past comments about Chelsea, saw an initial backlash against his interim role.

Defeats in the FIFA Club World Cup final and League Cup semi-finals saw Benitez come under pressure, but he steadied the side in Europe.

The season ended with Chelsea beating Benfica to win the Europa League, courtesy of Branislav Ivanovic's late goal. The win saw Chelsea become the first British team to have won the Champions League, Europa League, and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.