Daniel Farke makes Chelsea FA Cup prediction after Liam Rosenior sacking | OneFootball

Calum McFarlane will take charge of the FA Cup semi-final as Chelsea look to end poor run of form

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has predicted Chelsea to be back to their “free-flowing best” after sacking head coach Liam Rosenior ahead of the FA Cup semi-final.

Chelsea parted company with Rosenior less than 24 hours after Tuesday’s 3-0 loss at Brighton confirmed a fifth straight Premier League defeat and their worst run without scoring since 1912.

The Blues are now without a manager for the second time this season having dismissed Rosenior less than four months after appointing the Englishman on a six-and-a-half-year contract to replace Enzo Maresca.

When asked if he would have preferred Rosenior to have still been in the Wembley dugout on Sunday, Farke said: “I mind my own business and don’t take decisions for other clubs.

“I’m pretty sure he will still have a big career in management and let’s not forget how young he is. He will also take this as a big experience and grow.

“You always feel for a manager and you don’t want a manager to lose his job, that’s for sure. But, on the other hand, we take it as it is.”

Goodbye: Liam Rosenior

PA

Farke also says that Chelsea’s preparations for Sunday’s tie have not been made any easier – first-team coach Calum McFarlane will take charge until the end of the season – but that “it could feel like a fresh start for the players”.

He added: “When some top-class players are showing the basics and have no excuses, then it can be a really, really dangerous side.

“For that, I expect a Chelsea side who will be back to their best.

“I expect a side who will try to prove that it’s a fresh start, and right now the burden has been lifted and they want to show what they’re capable of.

“But we have shown also against the top sides that we’re capable of bringing a performance and to deliver a result. We are greedy also to be successful in this game.”

In the Premier League this season, Leeds beat Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road in December before fighting back from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in February.

Many Chelsea fans are pointing the finger at club co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly, whose management they blame for disharmony and instability at Stamford Bridge.

Farke added: “Stability and unity and confidence and to be clear in your values, in your identity, in your principles, how you want to play, is always important.

“But this doesn’t take anything away from the fact that we play a side which is packed with top-class players, with unbelievable potential.

“Chelsea have one of the most talented squads in world football I would say. So many exciting players, exciting young players, who can develop.

“Of course, they are probably not happy with their recent results, but I think in this game, an FA Cup semi-final, it doesn’t play so much of a significant role what happens in the league.

“We are a bit the underdog anyhow, but also the underdog who has a chance.”