CHELSEA’S interim boss Calum McFarlane needed to have his staff pass upgraded to get into the first team building.
, was informed on Thursday afternoon that he would be stepping up to manage the side against this weekend after
Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane revealed he had to get his staff pass upgraded to access the first team facilitiesCredit: Getty
He was told on Thursday he would be taking over the first-team after Enzo Maresca’s abrupt departureCredit: EPA
‘s Cobham training ground has a standalone building for the first team players and staff.
McFarlane, who joined from Southampton’s academy six months ago, works in a separate building and needed his access upgrading before taking training on Friday.
The Blues coach will be assisted by set piece coach Bernardo Cueva as well as academy staff Andy Ross, James Simmonds and Adam Keith.
McFarlane said: “Did my pass let me in? It did, yes. It got changed to let me in.
“In all honesty, it’s exactly the same as wherever you work. We’re all in it for the same reason.
“We all love and we’re here to support them.
“Training was really good today. There was a really good energy. The lads have been brilliant.
“The staff at the club have been brilliant. You can’t ask for any more.”
McFarlane added: “The energy, enthusiasm and training was exceptional today. They seem really focused.
“They’re really driven and hungry. They know we’ve got a massive game on Sunday and we’re going to have to be at our best. You can feel that. They’re professionals. They’ve done this a long time.
“They’ve been here before. Reece [James] has been brilliant. 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.”
Potential replacements for Maresca
Here is a look at the potential candidates to replace Enzo Maresca in Chelsea's dugout...
Liam Rosenior
Liam Rosenior, like Maresca, would arrive at Chelsea without any Premier League managerial experience.
He is currently impressing at Strasbourg in Ligue 1 with the French side battling for a European spot.
Rosenior would be a fairly simple hire for the Blues, considering Clearlake also own the Alsace outfit.
Cesc Fabregas
The former Chelsea midfielder has built himself a solid reputation in the dugout since taking charge of Como 1907.
The Spaniard led the club to promotion from Serie B to the top flight of Italian football for the first time in 21 years.
Cesc Fabregas now has Como pushing for European qualification, and he is viewed as one of the most promising managers in the top leagues.
Xavi
Xavi has been out of football management since being sacked by Barcelona in 2024.
However, he is still highly regarded having led the LaLiga giants to a league and Spanish Super Cup double in 2023 despite financial constraints.
Chelsea would be free to talk to Xavi over a deal and there would be no compensation to be paid.
Oliver Glasner
Oliver Glasner has been one of the most impressive managers in the Premier League since his arrival at Crystal Palace in 2024.
He has led the Eagles to FA Cup and Community Shield glory in his short time in South London.
The Austrian has previously been tipped for the top job at Manchester United should Ruben Amorim be sacked.
Marco Silva
A move for Marco Silva could prove difficult due to the Portuguese boss currently in charge of West London rivals Fulham.
The former Hull City and Everton manager has brought the Cottagers back to the Prem and helped solidify their spot.
Silva has long been backed for a chance at a top job and Chelsea could represent a decent opportunity.
Andoni Iraola
Bournemouth have just dealt with a summer of losing some of their best players like Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi.
They could now face the prospect of seeing their Basque boss walk out on the club if Chelsea come calling.
Andoni Iraola led the Cherries to a 9th-place finish in his first season in the Prem and earned plenty of plaudits in doing so.
John Terry
Now, John Terry does not have any managerial experience but would certainly be the romantic choice.
Chelsea have previously given chances to Frank Lampard in the dugout and could opt to do the same with Terry.
Terry has some experience in coaching, having previously held assistant roles at Aston Villa and Leicester City.
Bonus – The Special One
If they get desperate, there is also the option of making a move for the old reliable Jose Mourinho.
The iconic manager is currently leading Benfica in his homeland but could be tempted by a third stint in charge of the Blues.
He previously won three Prem titles, three League Cups and an FA Cup during his previous two spells in charge.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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