After Chelsea and Enzo Maresca parted ways on Thursday, Jan. 1, the Blues named Calum McFarlane as their interim first-team head coach. And, the Chelsea Under-21s head coach has now opened up on his new coaching role.
Chelsea Interim Coach Sheds Light on New Role at Club
During a pre-match press conference, McFarlane asserted that replacing Maresca, albeit on a temporary basis, in a first-team role has been quite an eventful experience for him.
“It’s been a crazy 24 hours, a whirlwind as you can imagine, but also really enjoyable and exciting. I can only be positive about it. I don’t feel famous, other than the text messages you usually get. I’m just focused on coming in every day and doing the best I can. It doesn’t feel different,” McFarlane said (via Football London).
McFarlane also provided his honest thoughts on preparing himself to lead his team against Manchester City in a Premier League away encounter at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 4.
“Ultimately, it’s a football match. It’s not about me, my first game or playing against Pep… it’s Chelsea versus City. Two top sides, we’ll go there and compete. We’ve seen this year how this team can do in big moments. I’m quite relaxed about it. It might be more nerve-wracking and daunting when it gets closer to the game,” McFarlane remarked.
McFarlane, a former Manchester City academy coach, joined Chelsea’s youth setup last July and will take charge of his first senior professional match against Pep Guardiola’s outfit.
Calum McFarlane Singles Out One Chelsea Player for Praise
After taking his first senior training session on Friday, Jan. 2, McFarlane showered praise on the Chelsea first-team stars, especially captain Reece James, for their strong enthusiasm.
“There’s a really good culture at the club in terms of the support from the first team, the directors… everyone seems interested. There’s always a bit of an academy presence (at U21s matches). In all honesty, it’s exactly the same as it always has been. We’re all here for the same reason. Training was great today, there was a really good energy,” McFarlane said.
READ MORE:Â Who Is Liam Rosenior? Meet Coach Tipped To Be Next Chelsea Boss
McFarlane added, “You don’t know what to expect, really, but the energy and enthusiasm was exceptional today. They were really focused, driven and hungry. We have a massive game on Sunday. Reece (James) has been brilliant, he has been a real leader in the group and helped the staff and players to get ready for Sunday.”
Chelsea are currently fifth in the 2025-26 Premier League table with just 30 points from 19 outings, three points off fourth-placed Liverpool. On the other hand, Manchester City are in second place with 41 points from the same number of games, four points behind Arsenal.
