Calum McFarlane has been placed in interim charge of Chelsea for the second time this season after the club dismissed Liam Rosenior following a damaging run of results. The 40-year-old, who previously oversaw two matches in early January when Enzo Maresca departed, steps up from the under-21s setup. His appointment comes after Chelsea lost a fifth consecutive league game without scoring, a feat last managed in 1912, and amid growing unrest among supporters.
McFarlane’s previous spell as caretaker yielded a respectable 1-1 draw away to Manchester City, but he also oversaw a 2-1 defeat at Fulham where Marc Cucurella was sent off. Having been part of Rosenior’s backroom staff, McFarlane shares some responsibility for the team’s recent struggles, a point not lost on sceptical fans. His experience in senior football remains limited, and he does not yet hold a Uefa Pro Licence.
His coaching journey began at grassroots level with the Kinetic Academy in London before roles at Manchester City and Southampton academies. He joined Chelsea last year as under-21s manager, aided by a connection with the club’s recruitment chief Joe Shields. Now thrust into the spotlight for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds at Wembley, McFarlane has never managed at the national stadium.
Addressing the media on Friday, McFarlane declined to discuss the circumstances of Rosenior’s exit, saying, “It’s not my place to say. What’s gone on in the past doesn’t need to be spoken about.” Notably, no Chelsea player has posted a farewell message to Rosenior on social media, and senior figures such as Enzo Fernández and Cucurella have remained silent this week. McFarlane has also not held a clear-the-air meeting with the squad.
Supporters remain unconvinced, drawing comparisons with celebrated former interims such as Guus Hiddink, Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez. The lack of accountability among players is an issue likely to be addressed in the summer, but for now McFarlane must attempt to salvage a season that has slipped away from the Champions League places.
