Calum McFarlane is on the cusp of making history as the most inexperienced manager ever to win the FA Cup, as his Chelsea side prepare to face Manchester City in Saturday’s final. The interim boss, who has overseen just five senior matches, acknowledges the magnitude of the occasion but insists he is trying to treat it as a normal game. Victory at Wembley would not only salvage a disappointing season but also secure European football and potentially convince top managerial target Xabi Alonso to join the club.
McFarlane, 38, has been preparing by analysing Pep Guardiola’s City and debating whether to revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation or stick with the 3-4-3 that earned a point at Liverpool last weekend. His managerial career stands in stark contrast to Guardiola’s glittering trophy haul, but the Chelsea interim has already shown he can compete, having secured a battling draw at the Etihad in January. Key players like Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez will be crucial if Chelsea are to end their winless run against City, which dates back to the 2021 Champions League final.
The underdog status suits Chelsea, who have lost their last three FA Cup finals but believe this time can be different. McFarlane’s relaxed approach extends to his attire – he will wear a tracksuit rather than a suit. He spoke fondly of the competition’s history, recalling Roberto Di Matteo’s early goal in the 1997 final. His personal life remains a grounding force, with evenings usually spent watching Disney Pixar’s Cars with his son, though preparation for the final has disrupted that routine.
