LONDON (AP) – Callum MacFarlane says his 24 hours at Chelsea have been a “whirlwind” since he was promoted from under-21 manager to caretaker manager and given the task of facing Josep Guardiola and Manchester City on Sunday.
The English player will be managed by Chelsea. Successor to Enzo Maresca. McFarlane led team training on Friday after security passes were upgraded to allow him access to the first team building.
“As you can imagine, it’s been a hectic 24 hours, but it’s also been a really fun and exciting time,” MacFarlane said.
The London club announced on Thursday that Maresca had resigned as manager following reports that his relationship with the team had deteriorated.
Liam Rosenior, the coach of French team Strasbourg, which is part of the same ownership group as Chelsea, is reported to be the leading candidate for the job.
But on Sunday, MacFarlane led the Blues at the Etihad Stadium. Over 1000 games in charge.
“The energy and enthusiasm in training today was exceptional,” said MacFarlane, who worked in City’s academy during the 2020-21 season before moving to Southampton and then Chelsea. “They seem really focused, really motivated and have a hungry spirit. They know they have a big game on Sunday, so they’re going to have to do their best.”
Chelsea will start the second half of the Premier League in fifth place. The Blues are three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, but just three points behind 11th-placed Fulham.
The match at City will be Chelsea’s first of nine games in all competitions this month.
Chelsea are looking for their fifth full-time manager since the end of the war. takeover of the club It was established in May 2022 by American investors led by Todd Boley.
Maresca was in charge for 18 months and won the championship. conference league and club world cup First season at Chelsea.
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