Calum McFarlane has returned to the Chelsea dugout as interim manager following the sacking of Liam Rosenior, a decision that leaves the club searching for answers after a torrid run of form. The 40-year-old, who previously oversaw two matches earlier this season, inherits a side that has lost five consecutive league games without scoring for the first time since 1912.
McFarlane's association with Rosenior's backroom staff means he shares some responsibility for the recent slump, yet the club has turned to him again in the hope of a reaction. His brief caretaker stint in January yielded a creditable 1-1 draw at Manchester City, but was followed by a 2-1 defeat at Fulham, highlighting the scale of the task.
Having progressed from grassroots coaching at the Kinetic Academy to roles with Manchester City and Southampton's academies, McFarlane joined Chelsea last year as under-21s manager. He does not yet hold his Uefa Pro Licence, and his experience in senior football is minimal, a factor likely to fuel fan scepticism as Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Leeds at Wembley approaches.
The lack of accountability within the squad has been glaring, with no player posting a farewell message to Rosenior on social media. McFarlane has avoided discussing his predecessor's exit, saying, "It's not my place to say. What's gone on in the past doesn't need to be spoken about." He has also not held a clear-the-air meeting with the players.
Supporters may draw little comfort from comparisons with previous interims such as Guus Hiddink, Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez, who delivered trophies and memorable runs. McFarlane, by contrast, has never managed at Wembley and must quickly instil leadership in a team that has looked demotivated and disjointed.
