Young coach showed tactical nous in his first caretaker stint but was also part of Liam Rosenior’s backroom team
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iven Chelsea supporters are pining for the old days, perhaps they can cheer themselves up by remembering glorious runs from some of the club’s previous interim managers, although whether Calum McFarlane is capable of emulating the likes of Guus Hiddink, Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez looks like a long shot as another damaging week for the BlueCo project draws to a close.
Is this inexperienced young coach the man for a salvage operation? Fans will take some convincing after watching Chelsea’s players not so much throw in the towel as not even bother to pick it up at all during Tuesday’s defeat to Brighton, which saw off Liam Rosenior. Those heading to Wembley for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds will hope for a response but do not be surprised if they turn mutinous again.
McFarlane has inherited a mess. Chelsea have just sacked their second manager of the season. They have lost five league games in a row without scoring for the first time since 1912, and the fix is not a feelgood big name but someone who does not yet hold his Uefa Pro Licence. There was no call for John Terry, Chelsea’s owners again minded to let the club’s former captain comment from afar. Instead, they went with McFarlane, who took over as interim for two games when Enzo Maresca walked away on New Year’s Day. He steps in after Rosenior paid the price for his inability to earn the trust of the dressing room.
