Key Takeaways
- Chelsea have replaced Liam Rosenior with academy coach Calum McFarlane until the end of the season.
- The Blues have lost five straight league matches without scoring and face Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.
- McFarlane, yet to earn his Uefa Pro Licence, previously took two matches when Enzo Maresca left in January.
Chelsea will finish the season with Calum McFarlane in the dug-out after club chiefs dismissed Liam Rosenior on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old coach, who oversaw the under-21s until New Year’s Day, returns for his second spell as caretaker. He first stepped up when Enzo Maresca walked away, earning a creditable 1-1 draw at Manchester City before a 2-1 home defeat to Fulham.
McFarlane now inherits a squad short on confidence and goals. Chelsea have not scored in five consecutive league fixtures, their worst run since 1912, and sit outside the European places. Supporters booed the team during the 3-0 loss at Brighton that sealed Rosenior’s fate.
Although well-liked by players, McFarlane’s senior experience is thin. He began coaching in south-London charity setups, later worked with Manchester City and Southampton academies, and only joined Chelsea last year. He does not yet hold the top coaching licence, and his presence on Rosenior’s bench means he shares blame for recent results.
Club bosses hope the change lifts morale ahead of Sunday’s Wembley meeting with Leeds. History offers slim comfort: Guus Hiddink, Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez all rescued turbulent seasons under the previous owner, yet each arrived with trophies on his CV.
McFarlane refused to criticise players or analyse Rosenior’s exit when he faced reporters on Friday. “What’s gone on in the past doesn’t need to be spoken about,” he said. He has called no crisis talks, relying instead on training-ground energy to revive a £1 billion squad.
Another meek display against Leeds could turn the crowd again. For now, Chelsea are pinning survival hopes on one of their own, even if the romantic storyline feels a long shot.