Manager Callum MacFarlane will take charge of Chelsea from Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds until the end of the season after Liam Rosenior was sacked.
This is not the first time Macfarlane has taken on interim duty at Stamford Bridge.
Following the departure of manager Enzo Maresca in January, he took over on an interim basis as Chelsea drew 1-1 away at Manchester City and lost 2-1 to Fulham.
But he now faces a crucial few days as he prepares to step into the Blues’ FA Cup semi-final dugout at Wembley before being tasked with qualifying for Europe.
A “tactical stickler” who rose from the grassroots
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:
MacFarlane made an incredible rise from grassroots football to the Premier League during his first spell as Chelsea’s caretaker manager.
The 40-year-old, who joined from Southampton’s academy and previously worked as the club’s former Under-21 coach, impressed in the hot seats to become part of Rosenior’s first-team staff.
He was particularly praised after Enzo Fernandes’ dramatic equalizer against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, where his tactical adjustments helped the Reds earn a 1-1 draw.
MacFarlane’s success comes as no surprise to those who worked with him for six years as academy manager at Kinetic Academy, a London-based charity with a history of producing professional players from disadvantaged backgrounds.
McFarlane led Chelsea to a draw against City and defeat against Fulham last period.
“I think the Man City game probably changed the narrative from someone who was a nobody to someone who knew what he was doing and was able to execute his plans perfectly on the big stage,” Fotheringham told Sky Sports in January.
“It’s always been the tactical side that grassroots players struggle with, and we found Cal was good at getting that information directly to the kids and giving them opportunities.
“He was a keen student of the game and tactically obsessed with the latest developments and what managers were doing.
“As a grassroots academy, we spent a lot of time analyzing the game using the technology available to us to see how we could give the kids an advantage. He gave them the tools to utilize so they could shine when they got the opportunity.”
“If you ask anyone, kids or adults, who played on the teams he coached or was part of his coaching staff, they’ll tell you he was one of the greatest tactical coaches ever.
“I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see him make the leap that he has.”
McFarrance’s last game…
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Watch for free: Highlights of the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea.
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Watch for free: Highlights of the Premier League win between Fulham and Chelsea.
“McFarlane has a chance to impress again.”
Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink told Sky Sports News:
“They believe in MacFarlane.
“He worked against Man City and put the game together, so they must believe he can do it. He’s been at the club for over a year and everyone speaks very highly of him, so he has a chance here, just like Michael Carrick.”
“He knows the players, they like him and they fought for him against Man City. He’s helping Liam so hopefully things will calm down.”
“Hopefully he can get them going on Sunday.”
Who can manage Chelsea long-term?
Latest updates from Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol:
Chelsea will take their time to make the right personnel.
They have not yet spoken to potential candidates to replace Rosenior and no shortlist has been drawn up.
That said, the likes of Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner and Xabi Alonso are all available.
Marco Silva could also be included if Fulham and Cesc Fabregas leave.
Chelsea have previously held talks with the likes of Luis Enrique, Hansi Flick, Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi when the top spot became available.
It remains to be seen whether elite-level managers are willing to work with the structure currently in place at the club.
