McFarlane targets FA Cup amid Chelsea's rich history of interim managers lifting trophies
McFarlane targets FA Cup amid Chelsea's rich history of interim managers lifting trophies Calum McFarlane will lead Chelsea into today's FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United, having been appointed as interim manager until the end of the season. McFarlane has stepped in to replace the sacked Liam Rosenior, and will oversee the remainder of the campaign as Chelsea conduct their recruitment process. The FA Cup offers McFarlane a chance to win major silverware as interim manager.
It would not be the first time that Chelsea have enjoyed silverware success under a caretaker coach. Three times interim managers led Chelsea to major trophies Guus Hiddink Guus Hiddink was named as interim manager at Chelsea following the decision to sack Luiz Felipe Scolari in 2008/09. The Dutchman took the reins until the summer, while continuing his duties with the Russian national team.
Hiddink was an instant success, losing just once in 22 matches across all competitions. The campaign culminated with FA Cup success, as Chelsea beat Everton 2-1 at Wembley. Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard scored the goals as Chelsea came from behind, after Louis Saha had struck inside 25 seconds for Everton.
Despite pleas to stay on as permanent manager, Hiddick departed at the end of the season. Roberto Di Matteo Roberto Di Matteo was promoted from his role as assistant manager to interim coach in 2011/12, after Andres Villas-Boas was sacked as manager. A remarkable impact saw the Italian lead Chelsea to a thrilling Champions League comeback against Napoli, as the Blues overturned a 3-1 deficit from the first leg to progress.
That win kick-started a run of momentum for Di Matteo's side. Chelsea thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 in the FA Cup semi-finals, before beating Liverpool in the final at Wembley. An incredible European campaign continued with wins against Benfica and Barcelona, to set up a final against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.