Chelsea have bolstered their first-team caretaker setup by promoting Under 21s head coach Harry Hudson and Under 18s head coach Dan Hogan to assist interim manager Calum McFarlane ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final clash with Leeds United at Wembley.
Caretaker Leadership Restructured
McFarlane, aged 38, has been entrusted with leading the team until the end of the season following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior, whose tenure lasted just 106 days after a dramatic decline in results. The new arrangement sees Hudson and Hogan temporarily stepping up from their academy roles to support first-team duties.
In addition to the promoted duo, set-piece specialist Bernardo Cueva and goalkeeper coach Ben Roberts remain part of the coaching staff. To fill the gaps left by Hudson and Hogan, Andy Ross and James Simmonds have taken charge of the Under 21s, while Frazer Robertson and Tom Howard are now leading the Under 18s.
Shared Background at Kinetic Academy
McFarlane, Hudson, and Hogan share a common thread in their career histories, having all previously worked for the Kinetic Academy earlier in their coaching journeys. This prior collaboration may foster a cohesive working environment during this transitional period.
Upcoming Challenges
Chelsea are aiming to reach the FA Cup final by overcoming Leeds at Wembley on Sunday. In the Premier League, they have four matches remaining to secure European football for next season. However, qualification for the Champions League appears out of reach at this stage.
McFarlane, who holds a UEFA A Licence, previously led the first team on an interim basis in January after Enzo Maresca departed. During that brief stint, he oversaw a draw with Manchester City and a defeat to Fulham before Rosenior officially took over.
Following the Leeds encounter, Chelsea will face Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Sunderland in the league. The team has not scored in the league since March 4 and has not kept a clean sheet since January 17, leaving McFarlane with the task of sparking a turnaround in their season's run-in.
