McFarlane hails Chelsea 'character' after FA Cup semi-final win
Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane (L) celebrates their win over Leeds. (Ben STANSALL) Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane praised his players' "character" after they responded to Liam Rosenior's sacking by beating Leeds 1-0 in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday. McFarlane took over with Chelsea in turmoil following Rosenior's exit on Wednesday after just three months in charge.
The Blues have lost their last five Premier League games without scoring in their worst run since 1912. That dismal sequence cost Rosenior his job and effectively ruined Chelsea's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League. Rosenior's difficult relationship with Chelsea's stars was key to his downfall.
But McFarlane, who was part of Rosenior's backroom staff, was able to coax a more positive performance from them at Wembley. "We had to weather some storm and show a bit of character and grit while they threw everything at us. Probably the character was the most pleasing part," McFarlane said.
"I think those lads showed how much they want to win and what they were willing to do to win a really important football game for the club. " Chelsea are back in the FA Cup final for the first time since 2022 as they look to win the competition for the first time since 2018. They will face Manchester City in the showpiece on May 16 and McFarlane knows victory over Pep Guardiola's men would partially salvage Chelsea's troubled campaign.
"Relief is the correct word. We were confident going into the game. We had a good three days but you never know.