Interim manager Calum McFarlane has admitted that Chelsea’s dismal disciplinary record was a major reason for their failure to qualify for Europe.
The Blues finished 10th in the Premier League after a 2-1 defeat at Sunderland on Sunday ended their faint hopes of a European spot next season.
In the final game of McFarlane’s second spell as temporary boss, Chelsea again finished with 10 men.
French defender Wesley Fofana received a second yellow card for a foul on Wilson Isidor in the 61st minute.
Fofana’s dismissal was Chelsea’s eighth red card in the Premier League this season and McFarlane admitted it was a major problem during a turbulent season.
«It’s definitely a problem, it’s definitely a problem. I think we are by far the team that has received the most red cards in the competition,» he said.
“For example, if you look at Arsenal, who won the league, I don’t think they had one red card.
«It doesn’t help that we have so many red cards. It’s definitely something we need to look at and improve for next year.»
Going into the final day of the Premier League season, Chelsea were in eighth place – enough to reach the UEFA Conference League – but finished one point shy of European qualification, capping a miserable season that also included an FA Cup final loss to Manchester City.
McFarlane, who was the first to step in after the departure of Enzo Maresca, returned as interim boss for the last six games following the sacking of Liam Rosenior.
Former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso will take charge on July 1 and McFarlane is confident the Spaniard will inherit a side capable of achieving much more than they have this season.
“I think this group has shown when they are at their best and when we are in the right place we are a match for anyone across Europe, they have shown that this season,” he said.
“That hasn’t been seen enough all year, that certainly hasn’t been seen enough in the second part of the season. We’ve got some real quality players, we’ve got a new manager who has a brilliant reputation in the game.”
«We’ve still had some flashes over the last month of what this group can do. They’re doing that on a more consistent basis.»
Published on May 25, 2026
