Calum McFarlane: Chelsea Interim Boss for FA Cup Clash vs Leeds
Calum McFarlane: Chelsea Interim Boss for FA Cup vs Leeds

Calum McFarlane is currently serving as Chelsea's interim head coach, having been appointed following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior. This marks his second stint as caretaker this year, as the club seeks stability amid a turbulent period of transition.

Managerial Record

His tenure with the senior squad consists of two matches played during his previous interim spell in early January 2026. During that time, he secured an impressive 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat away at Fulham.

Time Spent at Chelsea

McFarlane has been at Chelsea since July 2025, when he initially joined the club to take charge of the Under-21 and Under-19 academy sides. He made a significant impact in the youth setup, winning 11 of his 21 games and leading the Under-19s to the top of their UEFA Youth League group.

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McFarlane's Tactical Prowess

Before arriving at Stamford Bridge, McFarlane built a reputation as a 'tactical obsessive' through various coaching roles at Manchester City and Southampton. Despite his limited senior-level experience, the 40-year-old is highly regarded by the Chelsea hierarchy for his meticulous match preparation. His ability to execute complex defensive plans was notably praised after he snatched a point from Pep Guardiola earlier this season.

When Will McFarlane Be on the Touchline?

The upcoming FA Cup semi-final clash between Chelsea and Leeds United is scheduled to kick off at 3pm on Sunday, April 26. This high-profile fixture at Wembley Stadium represents McFarlane's third professional game in charge of the first team.

UK TV Channel

Fans in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, where the football coverage is set to begin at 2pm. This hour-long build-up will provide tactical analysis and team news directly from the national stadium before the action starts.

Live Stream Information

For those who prefer to watch on digital platforms, the game will be available to stream on the HBO Max app. Subscribers can access the same high-definition feed provided on the linear television broadcast across various compatible devices.

How to Watch in the US

Supporters located in the United States can catch every minute of the FA Cup action by streaming the game live on HBO Max. The game is set to kick off at 10am ET (7am PT).

Read the latest FA Cup news here: Chelsea chaos gives Leeds United the golden chance they've been desperate for.

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