Chelsea’s interim manager Calum McFarlane was bursting with pride after his team won a dramatic 1-1 Premier League draw against Manchester City on Sunday, capping a whirlwind week that saw the club part ways with Enzo Maresca three days earlier.
The Chelsea under-21 head coach was thrown into the deep end after Maresca suddenly left amid poor form on New Year’s Day, with an intimidating debut ahead of McFarlane against City.
“A lot has changed,” McFarlane said. “Enzo was incredibly successful with this group. Some players were shocked by the decision.
«So the character they showed the last two days, the character they showed today … everyone thought we came here to lose. Nobody thought we had a chance, but we knew the character and the talent in this group.»
McFarlane, who relished his role as head coach on Sunday, calling it «the things you dream about», is unsure what the near future holds when it comes to a new manager.
«We’re training tomorrow. So unless I’m told otherwise tonight, I’ll take that session,» he said. «My only focus was obviously on this match. Until I am told otherwise, I will lead the team.»
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McFarlane was initially told he would take charge of the City game, with a new manager possibly arriving on Monday.
“It’s clearly Sunday now,” he said. «We have been focusing solely on the game, so I’m sure I could get more information once I leave this press conference. But as far as I know, the new manager will be there soon, and I will manage the team until he gets there.»
While City squandered numerous chances at the Etihad Stadium, Chelsea grew into the match. McFarlane was proud of Chelsea’s resilience, which paid off when Enzo Fernandez struck deep into stoppage time.
He credited captain Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo and Fernandez for their leadership this week.
James echoed his coach’s pride and praised the staff and senior players for steadying the ship.
“It’s hard coming to Manchester City as your first first-team game,” James said. “We had to adapt quickly.
«We have to work together as a unit. We are one. We missed a lot of players today, but so many other players stepped up. We fought as a team and I am proud of the boys.»
On Maresca’s sudden departure, he added: «Of course it’s difficult, but we have to fight for each other. We dug in and got the point.»
McFarlane said one of the highlights of the day was coaching against Pep Guardiola.
«It’s an honor to play against someone like Pep Guardiola, who for me is the best manager to ever manage,» the interim boss said. «And he was very respectful and very polite (during their post-match handshake). It was an honor to play against him.»
Published on January 5, 2026
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