Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane has challenged his players to rescue a disappointing season by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Chelsea interim manager, Calum McFarlane, has called on his players to save their season by winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City this weekend at Wembley Stadium.
The Blues head into the showpiece match under intense pressure after a miserable Premier League campaign that has left them down in ninth place and virtually out of contention for Champions League qualification. With seven league games without a victory, the FA Cup now represents Chelsea’s final chance to end the season on a positive note.
Up next: The FA Cup final! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/mPTkPJAsqE
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 12, 2026
McFarlane, currently in his second spell as caretaker manager after previously stepping in following Enzo Maresca’s departure and later replacing Liam Rosenior, acknowledged the scale of the occasion and the expectations that come with managing Chelsea.
The 40-year-old stressed that Chelsea’s recent performances in the league have fallen well below the standards expected at Stamford Bridge, but insisted the squad still has an opportunity to give supporters something to celebrate. He described the FA Cup as a competition deeply connected to the club’s history and admitted there is always pressure to deliver silverware at a club of Chelsea’s stature.
Chelsea’s recent history in the competition only adds to the urgency. The Blues lost three FA Cup finals between 2020 and 2022 and have not lifted a major domestic trophy since defeating Manchester United in the 2018 final under Antonio Conte. For many supporters, ending that drought would provide at least some relief after another turbulent campaign filled with inconsistency and managerial upheaval.
McFarlane also admitted the Wembley occasion would be one of the biggest moments of his coaching career. Although he has managed at senior level before, he acknowledged that an FA Cup final carries a completely different level of intensity and scrutiny. Despite that, he promised to remain calm and stick to the same preparation process that has guided him through previous matches.
There are at least some reasons for optimism within the Chelsea camp. McFarlane guided the side to victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-finals and also earned praise earlier this year after overseeing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Premier League. However, Chelsea were also heavily beaten 3-0 by City in April, extending a miserable run against Guardiola’s side that dates back to their 2021 Champions League final triumph.
A point at Anfield. #CFC | #LIVCHE pic.twitter.com/0Xyfrdn1Ii
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 9, 2026
McFarlane acknowledged the enormous challenge awaiting Chelsea but insisted belief remains inside the dressing room. He described Manchester City as one of the best teams in world football, led by an exceptional manager and filled with elite players, but maintained that Chelsea are capable of beating anyone if they perform at their highest level.
Away from the pitch, uncertainty still surrounds the club’s long-term managerial situation. Chelsea continue to be linked with several candidates, including former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, following Rosenior’s dismissal.
McFarlane refused to be drawn into speculation over who should take the permanent role, insisting his sole focus remains on preparing the team for the FA Cup final and giving Chelsea supporters a moment to remember at the end of a difficult season.
