Chelsea Football Club has confirmed that Callum McFarlane will be permanently upgraded to the first-team coaching staff following his short stint as interim manager. The decision comes after the appointment of Liam Rosenior as the Blues’ new head coach, who expressed a strong desire to retain McFarlane due to his tactical insights and recent performances.
McFarlane was thrust into the spotlight following the termination of Enzo Maresca’s contract earlier this month.
A High-Pressure Interim Period
McFarlane took charge of the senior squad for two high-profile fixtures during a volatile week for the club:
- Sunday, January 4, 2026: Guided Chelsea to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against champions Manchester City at the Etihad.
- Wednesday, January 7, 2026: Presided over a narrow 2-1 defeat in the West London derby against Fulham.
Despite the mixed results, his ability to stabilize the dressing room and his clear tactical identity impressed both the board and the incoming head coach.
Alignment with the Rosenior Philosophy
New head coach Liam Rosenior has been vocal about his vision for the club and why McFarlane is a vital component of his staff. McFarlane, in turn, highlighted a shared footballing DNA between the two.
“We are pretty aligned in how we think about football. I have seen Liam’s teams play before, and he plays really attractive football, really exciting football,” McFarlane stated. “What fans want at any club is that their players put in effort, quality, commitment, and win matches. Of course, you get the supporters onside by winning, and that will be the objective.”
The Road Ahead: Cup Challenges
Liam Rosenior’s tenure begins immediately with a relentless schedule that will test the new coaching partnership:
- FA Cup: A London clash against Charlton Athletic.
- Carabao Cup: A high-stakes semi-final first leg against Arsenal.
The permanent inclusion of McFarlane is seen as a move to provide continuity for the players while integrating Rosenior’s more expansive and “exciting” style of play. With the club looking to climb back into European contention, the synergy between the two coaches will be under intense scrutiny starting this weekend.
Source: BBC
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