Calum McFarlane was left "gutted" after Chelsea failed to qualify for Europe following their defeat to Sunderland on the final day of the Premier League season.
McFarlane watched on as his team were beaten 2-1 at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, with their hopes of a comeback dented after Wesley Fofana saw red in the 62nd minute.
Sunderland had got themselves two goals in front through Trai Hume's fine volley and Malo Gusto's own goal early in the second half, but the Blues hit back through Cole Palmer.
However, having been booked in the first half, Fofana received his second yellow card after he pulled back substitute Wilson Isidor as he raced towards the Chelsea goal.
The result means that Chelsea have now failed to qualify for any European competition twice in the last three seasons, with Xabi Alonso the man tasked with turning things around at Stamford Bridge when he takes charge in the summer.
But Chelsea's form had perhaps not merited a top-eight finish. Since the start of March, the Blues have lost more Premier League games than any other side (eight).
McFarlane's interim spell in charge failed to take flight, with Chelsea also losing the FA Cup final to Manchester City, and he believes that the quality within the squad is good enough to compete on the European stage.
"It's a disappointing result and performance. We didn't hit the levels this group is capable of. Sunderland deserved to win the game," McFarlane conceded.
"I thought they started well, and we didn't match their tempo and intensity. I was hoping we would get momentum after Cole Palmer's goal.
"We are gutted, disappointed and haven't performed well enough. This club needs to be in Europe and these players need to be in Europe.
Defeat at the Stadium of Light.#CFC | #SUNCHE pic.twitter.com/9Pli3o3u3y
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 24, 2026
"We'll need to review the season and reflect to give the new manager the best opportunity to attack the new season."
Sunderland's victory also saw them complete the league double over Chelsea for the first time since 2000-01, while also securing European football for the first time in 52 years.
And Alonso will now be left with plenty to ponder after his new team's final-day showing, though there is plenty of young talent at his disposal - something he thrived with during his successful tenure with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
Chelsea are only the third team to go through an entire top-flight season without fielding a single player aged 30+, after Middlesbrough in 2008-09 and the Blues themselves last year.