Inside Chelsea's 24 Hours of Chaos: The Interim Coach's Battle Against Man City and Guardiola

Table of Contents

Chelsea has experienced a whirlwind 24 hours following the departure of head coach Enzo Maresca, who has moved on to begin his new role in 2026. The news of Maresca's exit was officially announced by the club in a concise 99-word statement released on New Year's Day. This development came just three days before Chelsea's Premier League match against Manchester City on January 4.

The team returned to their Cobham training base on Friday to start preparing for the crucial encounter at the Etihad Stadium. In a sudden shift, Calum McFarlane, the Under-21s head coach, was appointed as the interim manager for the game against Pep Guardiola's side. McFarlane took charge of the morning training session and was then given the task of addressing the media to preview the upcoming clash.

McFarlane, who is set to lead his first senior professional game, described the past 24 hours as "a crazy whirlwind" that he has found both exciting and enjoyable. He expressed his positive outlook on stepping into Maresca's position while the club continues its search for a permanent replacement.

"It's been a crazy 24 hours," McFarlane admitted. "A whirlwind, as you can imagine. But also really enjoyable and really exciting. I can only feel positive about it. It's an amazing experience."

McFarlane was officially introduced to the squad on Friday morning before the training session began. He praised the team's dedication as they prepare for what he called a "massive game."

He added, "I think there's a really good culture at the club in terms of their support from the first team, from the directors. Everyone seems interested. When we've had big youth league games in the Youth Champions League, the first team players are coming across and watching. There's obviously a bit of an academy presence there as well. I met with a few of the individuals beforehand, but I was officially introduced this morning."

McFarlane noted that the energy and enthusiasm during training were exceptional. He observed that the players are focused, driven, and hungry for success. They understand the significance of the match on Sunday and are determined to be at their best.

McFarlane also highlighted the leadership of club captain Reece James, who played a key role in sending a farewell message to Maresca. He praised James for his support and guidance within the team.

"Reece has been brilliant," McFarlane continued. "He's been a real leader in the group and supported the staff and the players. You can't ask for any more. It just seems like a real focus for getting the best performance we can on Sunday."

Chelsea faces a formidable opponent in Manchester City, who have maintained an unbeaten record in their last eight league games against the Blues (six wins and two draws). Despite the high stakes and the pressure of being in charge for the first time, McFarlane remains unfazed.

His focus is on ensuring that the team is well-prepared to secure a positive result.

"Ultimately, it's a football match," he concluded. "It's not really about me or my first game or playing against Pep. It's about 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. We're really looking forward to that challenge."

McFarlane emphasized that the team needs to be ready for the game on Sunday. His role as an interim manager is to provide the players with the best possible support to perform under pressure. He believes that the staff's job is to give the players the opportunity to execute their performance effectively.