Chelsea’s interim manager profiled ahead of FA Cup semi-final vs Leeds | Football | Sport
Calum McFarlane will take charge at Wembley (Image: Getty)
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Everything you need to know about Chelsea interim manager
- Who is Chelsea’s interim boss? Calum McFarlane is currently serving as Chelsea’s interim head coach, having been appointed following Liam Rosenior’s sacking. This represents his second spell as caretaker this year, as the club pursues stability during a turbulent period.
- Managerial record: His experience with the senior squad consists of two matches played during his earlier interim spell in January 2026. During that period, he secured an impressive 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad before enduring a narrow 2-1 defeat away at Fulham.
- Time spent at Chelsea: McFarlane has been at Chelsea since July 2025, when he originally joined the club to oversee the Under-21 and Under-19 academy sides. He made a substantial impact in the youth setup, winning 11 of his 21 games and guiding the Under-19s to the summit of their UEFA Youth League group.
- McFarlane’s tactical prowess: Prior to arriving at Stamford Bridge, McFarlane established a reputation as a ‘tactical obsessive’ through various coaching roles at Manchester City and Southampton. Despite his limited senior-level experience, the 40-year-old is highly regarded by the Chelsea hierarchy for his meticulous match preparation. His ability to execute complex defensive plans was particularly praised after he claimed a point from Pep Guardiola earlier this season.
- When will McFarlane be in the dugout? The FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Leeds United is set to get underway at 3pm on Sunday, April 26. This high-profile fixture at Wembley Stadium marks McFarlane’s third professional match at the helm of the first team.
- UK TV channel: Supporters in the UK can watch the game live on TNT Sports 1, with football coverage starting at 2pm. This hour-long build-up will offer tactical insight and team news straight from the national stadium ahead of kick-off.
- Live stream information: For those who prefer watching on digital platforms, the match will be accessible to stream via the HBO Max app. Subscribers can enjoy the same high-definition broadcast available on linear television across a range of compatible devices.
- How to watch in the US: Supporters based in the United States can catch every moment of the FA Cup action by streaming the game live on HBO Max. Kick-off is scheduled for 10am ET (7am PT).
- READ THE LATEST CHELSEA NEWS HERE: Three Liam Rosenior replacements Chelsea are pondering including Champions League finalist
