Chelsea has named Calum McFarlane as interim manager for their upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester City, following the unexpected departure of Enzo Maresca on January 1, 2026. McFarlane, 40, will lead the team temporarily while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
McFarlane brings valuable coaching experience, having worked with Southampton’s youth teams and Manchester City’s academy before joining Chelsea in July 2025 as Under-21s coach. He is set to address the media ahead of the big match and aims to inspire the squad for a strong performance against Pep Guardiola’s side.
With a solid background in youth development and tactical expertise, McFarlane is known for his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation and his ability to build strong relationships with players. He previously led Southampton’s Under-21 and Under-18 teams and has held coaching roles at Kinetic Academy, Tromsø, Crystal Palace, and Fulham.
Noteworthy achievements include:
- Leading Southampton’s Under-21s to the Premier League 2 playoff final.
- Guiding Chelsea’s Under-21s to first place in their UEFA Youth League group stage.
- Earning praise from youth players for his leadership and mentorship.
By Andrews Addotey
