“I’m gutted it hasn’t worked out”

Chelsea interim manager Callum McFarlane has admitted that Liam Rosenior’s sacking has left him feeling ‘gutted’. He also revealed his respect for Rosenior, claiming they had a good conversation over the phone after the latter was dismissed on April 22.

Days after sacking Enzo Maresca on January 1, 2026, Chelsea made the bold decision to appoint former Hull City and Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior as his replacement on a six-and-a-half-year deal. Rosenior had a positive start at Stamford Bridge, only for his progress to unravel in recent weeks.

Liam Rosenior and Co. suffered a 3-0 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion in their most recent Premier League clash (April 21). This was the Blues’ fifth consecutive defeat without scoring a single goal, marking their worst run of form since 1912. As a result, Rosenior was handed his marching orders less than 24 hours later.

McFarlane, who was previously the first-team coach, has been appointed caretaker manager until the end of the season. He recently said (via AbsoluteChelsea):

“I have spoken to Liam (Rosenior). I am not sure how that’s been done (his exit). I spoke to him on the phone on Wednesday. He was good, it was a good conversation. I have a lot of respect. I’m gutted it hasn’t worked out.”

Rosenior led the Blues to 11 wins in 23 fixtures across all competitions, drawing two, and losing 10, with a win percentage of 47.8.

“There is huge pressure on those players to perform” – Alan Shearer makes bold prediction for Chelsea vs Leeds FA Cup S/F clash

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has backed Leeds United to defeat Chelsea as he reckons the Blues will be facing much more pressure in comparison. The two sides are set to lock horns in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday, April 26.

With the Blues on a five-match losing streak and Leeds likely to avoid relegation in the Premier League this season, Shearer told METRO:

“For Calum McFarlane, I know he worked with Rosenior as part of his team; but he did the Man City game before Rosenior was appointed and there was a big improvement in that game, when he took over.”

He added:

“There will likely be an improvement from Chelsea under the interim manager, but there is huge pressure on those players to perform. Leeds are pretty much guaranteed Premier League football next year, so there is not as much pressure on them. For that reason, I am going to go for a Leeds win. It will be a brilliant atmosphere. The pressure is huge on Chelsea, not so much on Leeds, so it could be a good day out for the Leeds fans.”

Leeds have the upper hand going into the semi-final clash against the Blues. They secured a 3-1 win in the Premier League at Elland Road (December 4, 2025), before holding the west London outfit to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on February 11.