Chelsea are going into the biggest game of the season with an interim manager in charge, although Andrey Santos believes Calum McFarlane has instilled confidence back in the Blues squad.
McFarlane is in temporary charge following the sacking of Enzo Maresca, and led Chelsea to the final with a victory against Leeds United in the semi-finals.
The temporary boss has at least helped put an end to their losing streak in the Premier League with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool, where they impressed in a new formation.
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James and Colwill starting together for the first time since the Club World Cup…
Andrey Santos says Chelsea players are loving Calum McFarlane
This system allowed Andrey Santos to start alongside Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in midfield, with a priority on advancing the ball through the middle of the park.
The Brazilian told ESPN that he has gained confidence from playing under McFarlane, allowing him and his teammates to be brave in possession.
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He said: “Yeah, everyone likes him because he he gives confidence for us for bringing the ball and break the line. For example, my position for I think this is is so important for us for us that are playing in midfield.
“We have to be confident because like I say before the midfield is like the head of the team you know we have to take the ball have to be brave. I think this this confidence is important for us.”
Santos was preferred to Romeo Lavia last time out, however it could be another member of the first team squad replacing him for the cup final.
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McFarlane has a decision to make over who will start in midfield alongside Fernandez and Caicedo.
Despite Santos and Lavia being options, there may be an appetite to start Reece James after he replaced the Brazilian against Liverpool.
Even though he stars as a right-back, Maresca got the best out of James in a midfield role in big games, which Saturday’s FA Cup final fits into.
Chelsea fans will be excited at the prospect of James and Levi Colwill starting together for the first time since the Club World Cup final against PSG.
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