Chelsea Football Club has announced Calum McFarlane as interim head coach, following the departure of Enzo Maresca on Thursday, January 1, 2026. McFarlane, previously the Under-21s head coach, steps up to lead the first team for their upcoming match against Manchester City on Sunday.
McFarlane described his sudden promotion as a "crazy 24 hours". He was called into Chelsea's Cobham training centre around lunchtime on Thursday, shortly after the club's decision to part ways with Maresca, and was informed that he would be in charge for the match at the Etihad Stadium.
"It's been a crazy 24 hours, a whirlwind as you can imagine, but really exciting," McFarlane said. "I can only feel positive. It's been an amazing experience".
To prepare, a pass was quickly arranged to grant him access to the first-team building. McFarlane led training with the squad on Friday before traveling to Manchester. This marks McFarlane's first senior-level game in charge.
Maresca's departure stemmed from the club's dissatisfaction with his discussions about potentially succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and his alleged reluctance to consider the advice of the club's medical staff regarding player fitness.
McFarlane, born on November 13, 1985, joined Chelsea from Southampton last summer. Despite the whirlwind circumstances, he expressed optimism and highlighted the positive atmosphere within the club.
"There's a really good culture at the club in terms of the support from the first team, from the directors," McFarlane stated. "Everyone seems interested. When we've had big youth league games, the first-team players come across and watch. There's an academy presence there as well".
McFarlane also noted the smooth transition into his interim role. "I was officially introduced this morning. My pass got changed to let me in," he said. "It's exactly the same as whenever you work. We're all in it for the same reasons, we all love football. There was a really good energy. We can't ask for any more".
Chelsea fans await Sunday's game against Manchester City with anticipation, curious to see how McFarlane will lead the team in his first senior management role.
