McFarlane relishing Man City clash after 'whirlwind' start at Chelsea

Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane said it has been a "whirlwind" 24 hours since he was named as Enzo Maresca's temporary successor. 

Maresca left his position as the Blues' head coach on New Year's Day following a run of poor results, along with a breakdown in relations with the club's hierarchy. 

Ahead of the trip to face Manchester City on Sunday, it was confirmed under-21s boss McFarlane would take charge of the match.

Maresca's departure came after a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, which saw Chelsea drop yet more points from a winning position, leaving them fifth in the Premier League. 

But such was the nature of McFarlane's appointment, his training ground pass had to be amended to grant him access to the club's press conference room on Friday. 

"It's been a crazy 24 hours, a whirlwind, as you can imagine, but also really enjoyable and really exciting," he said.

"I can only feel positive about it. It's an amazing experience. I am quite relaxed. I am sure as we get closer to the game, it will be more nerve-wracking.

"I haven't worked at this level before, but the lads have been brilliant, and we will do this together.

"I wouldn't say we have nothing to lose. We have to give a really good account of ourselves."

Chelsea's decision to part ways with Maresca denied the Italian from another reunion with Pep Guardiola, with whom he worked with at City during the 2022-23 campaign. 

Reports before the Italian's departure from Stamford Bridge suggested he was in line to replace Guardiola at City, though he did deny those claims last month.

"From my point of view, Chelsea have lost an incredible manager and an incredible person," Guardiola said of Maresca's departure.

"It's a decision from the Chelsea hierarchy, so I've nothing to say. How lucky I am in the club where I am. My club is extraordinary."

Asked about his own future, Guardiola – whose current deal runs until the end of the 2026-27 season – said: "I have one more year. I've been here for 10 years.

"I promise you, I will leave one day, but I have a contract. I want to fight with my team. 

"The hierarchy respects me – they proved last season when we didn't win one game in three months."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester City – Erling Haaland

Haaland has scored 11 goals in eight Premier League home matches for City this season, netting twice in five different games.

The last player to score 2+ goals in more different home games in a season was Haaland himself in 2022-23 (six), and you would fancy him to add to that tally here.

That is because in six Premier League matches against Chelsea, he has managed six direct goal involvements (four goals, two assists).

Chelsea – Cole Palmer

Each of Palmer's last nine Premier League goals for Chelsea have been scored in London, the latest of which came from the penalty spot against Bournemouth. 

However, he has not netted outside the capital since December 2024 against Southampton, while Palmer has not scored north of London since August 2024 against Wolves.