Chelsea under-21s coach Calum McFarlane is set to be in charge of the team for Sunday’s game against Manchester City according to reports.
Enzo Maresca left Chelsea on Thursday just 18 months into a five year contract, and six months after securing Champions League qualification and winning both the Conference League and Club World Cup.
The Blues are now in the process of appointing their next manager, but that is unlikely to be done before the trip to The Etihad.
Calum McFarlane to take charge of Manchester City game
Things developed very quickly after Tuesday’s game with Bournemouth, and clearly Maresca felt he could no longer remain at Chelsea.
Liam Rosenior is believed to be leading the race, but a deal to take him out of sister club Strasbourg is yet to be finalised.
Calum McFarlane at Chelsea's training ground.
McFarlane is set to be in charge for Sunday’s game at Manchester City. (Photo: Getty Images)
Attention has now turned to who will lead the team this weekend, and Chelsea reporter Kieran Gill has provided an update.
He took to X.com and said:
“Chelsea Under-21 head coach Calum McFarlane taking tomorrow’s#CFC press conference.
“As it stands, Calum McFarlane, along with his Under 21 assistants, have been asked to prepare the#CFC first team for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Manchester City.”
McFarlane like many current Chelsea players and staff came through at Manchester City, but he could be returning in very difficult circumstances on Sunday.
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As things stand it’s looking like Rosenior will be the new manager, but BlueCo will need to find a replacement at Strasbourg.
Rosenior has done a good job at the Ligue 1 side, but whether he’s ready for the big step up to Chelsea and the Premier League is unclear.
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Other names who have been mentioned are Cesc Fabregas and Roberto De Zerbi, but neither are said to be contenders for the vacancy.
Chelsea still have the target of qualifying for the Champions League, but the new manager will no doubt be walking into the lions den.