Calum MacFarlane spoke about how he is preparing for the task of going to the Etihad Stadium.
**Chelsea**have chosen to part ways with Enzo Maresca, temporarily upgrading their Under-21s coach to take the place of the Italian. His first match as a manager at the senior level is against Man City, the legendary Pep Guardiola, and the terminator Erling Haaland. It is a daunting prospect for the Blues, but their new leader is trying to focus on the factors he can control inside his own camp.
*“Ultimately, it's a football match. It's not really about me or my first game or playing against Pep. It's about Chelsea versus Man 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.*
“I think that we know we're up against a really good team in really good form, a great manager. But we've got a good team, we've got a really good, talented group of players. I wouldn't say we have nothing to lose.
"We're going to go there and try and give a really good account of ourselves and put in a performance like we've seen from this team previously. I wouldn't say we have nothing to lose.
“It's always awkward when an interim comes in and it's more for them than it is for us. It's about them producing the level of performance that they've done before against top sides.
“We've had some top results this year and we know what this side is capable of. My message to them is bringing the best version of themselves and being all in it together and believing that we can get the next couple of days right and hopefully put in a good performance on Sunday.
“It's difficult to pick any team at any moment. It's probably the hardest part of the job even on the Under-21s level. You're going to disappoint people, you're going to leave people out but you've got to do what feels best in that moment. We'll obviously be speaking to the medical team.
“That's coming back from injuries we have to manage like you do at any club at any level. It's all pretty routine in that but we'll pick the best team that we feel like is ready to play and compete.
“I'm sure as I get closer to the game it will become maybe more nerve-wracking, more daunting but I haven't worked at this level before of course but I think the lads and like I said the lads today were brilliant and it fills you with confidence that we're all in it together and it's a team effort."