Chelsea caretaker manager Calum McFarlane has dismissed claims that his squad is fractured, despite a dismal run of six consecutive Premier League defeats that has raised questions about team harmony. The Blues' latest loss, a 3-2 surrender to Nottingham Forest on Monday, extended their worst losing streak in the top flight since 1950, when they lost seven in a row. Chelsea risk equalling that 74-year-old club record when they visit Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime.
McFarlane Rejects 'Broken' Label
Following criticism from pundit Jamie Carragher, who described Chelsea as 'broken', and amid reports of dressing room discord at Real Madrid, McFarlane insisted his players remain professional and united. 'The group are disappointed with the performance against Forest,' McFarlane said. 'We reviewed it as well. I haven't seen any rows or rifts or anything out of the ordinary. They are elite players who have got to this level by having the talent and the mentality and drive. It's just about bringing it out.'
McFarlane emphasised that players do not reach such high levels without resilience. 'You don't get to play for this level of club or countries these guys play for if you don't have that. It is just about supporting them and doing as much as we can as a staff and giving them everything they need to go out on the pitch and perform.'
Injury Crisis and Key Returns
Chelsea are grappling with an injury crisis on the wings, with Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho expected to miss the Liverpool trip due to muscular issues. They join Jesse Derry, Jamie Gittens, and Estevao Willian on the sidelines. However, defenders Levi Colwill and Reece James are available, providing a boost. 'It's great to have them back,' McFarlane said. 'It'll be great to have them both on the pitch at the same time. Two top players. Elite players. England internationals. They will definitely help the group.'
McFarlane heaped praise on Colwill, calling him 'one of the best centre backs in world football' and highlighting his left-footedness as a key asset. 'He's a great person, great character. He's a winner, a leader. He's very, very important for this football club. Levi is a complete footballer. Whatever you need a centre back to do, he can do, in possession and out.'
European Qualification Hopes
Aston Villa's Europa League semi-final second-leg comeback against Forest on Thursday means sixth place in the Premier League could still secure Champions League qualification if Villa win the competition and finish fifth. Chelsea currently sit four points adrift of sixth-placed Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, a candidate for the Blues' permanent managerial vacancy. 'This club needs to be competing at the forefront of football, in the biggest competitions,' McFarlane added. 'It's something that this club is designed for.'
Goalkeeping Change
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is set to miss the Liverpool match due to a head injury, paving the way for Filip Jorgensen to start. It would be Jorgensen's first start since a costly error in Chelsea's 5-2 Champions League defeat at Paris Saint-Germain. 'I still have faith in Filip,' McFarlane said of the 24-year-old.
