Chelsea's new interim manager, Calum McFarlane, has revealed a symbolic start to his tenure, admitting his work pass had to be altered just to gain access to the training ground. The sudden change comes ahead of a daunting Premier League debut against Manchester City this Sunday.
Sudden Change at Stamford Bridge
The Blues are in a state of flux after Enzo Maresca's abrupt mid-season departure. Maresca, who had been in charge since the summer of 2024, left Stamford Bridge this week, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez hinting that further exits could follow. This has thrust academy coach Calum McFarlane into the spotlight for Chelsea's first match of the post-Maresca era.
Addressing the media on Friday, McFarlane confirmed the practicalities of his rapid promotion. "It did, yes. It got changed to let me in," he said when asked if his new pass granted him the necessary access. "In all honesty, it's exactly the same as wherever you work. We're all in it for the same reason. We all love football and we're here to support them."
McFarlane Impressed by Squad Response
The caretaker boss, who had been leading Chelsea's Under-21s after joining from Southampton last summer, reported a positive atmosphere at Cobham. He was introduced to key staff before meeting the full first-team squad on Friday morning.
"Training was really good today. There was a really good energy," McFarlane stated. "The lads have been brilliant. The staff at the club have been brilliant. You can't ask for any more." He singled out captain Reece James for particular praise, highlighting his leadership during the uncertain period. "He's been a real leader in the group and supported the staff and the players. It just seems like a real focus for getting the best performance we can on Sunday."
Rosenior Emerges as Leading Candidate
It remains unclear whether Sunday's showdown with Pep Guardiola's side will be McFarlane's only game in temporary charge. Liam Rosenior, currently managing Strasbourg, has emerged as the front-runner for the permanent position at Stamford Bridge.
Quizzed about the links on Friday, Rosenior attempted to downplay the speculation, focusing on his current role. "I'm going to talk about Nice because that's my job," he said, referencing Strasbourg's upcoming opponents. "There's a lot of noise, a lot of speculation, but as a coach, if you get involved in that, you fail. My job is here, I love this club."
However, the manager did acknowledge the unpredictable nature of football. "In life, there are zero guarantees. You never know what tomorrow will bring. I'm just doing my job... I love this club, but I can't guarantee anything. Nobody can."
The situation leaves Chelsea navigating a critical period, with a high-stakes match against Manchester City on 4 January 2026 serving as a formidable first test for their stand-in boss and a squad facing an uncertain immediate future.
