Article by Daniel Grigore – Published Friday, 02 January 2026, 13:06 / Updated Friday, 02 January 2026 13:06
Until Chelsea bosses install a new manager, U21 coach Calum McFarlane (40) will sit on the bench for Sunday's game against Manchester City.
On the first day of the new year, Chelsea were without a head coach. Enzo Maresca was dismissedand the search for a new manager is in full swing, with Englishman Liam Rosenior the favorite to take over the Blues' bench.
Until the installation of the new full-fledged coach, Chelsea has a championship game to play, a really difficult one, at Manchester City's ground. The duel will take place on Sunday, at 19:30, in the 20th stage of the Premier League.
Who will be on Chelsea's bench against Manchester City and Pep Guardiola?
In that game, Cole Palmer and company will be managed by U21 manager Calum McFarlane, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, close to the club at Stamford Bridge. McFarlane will also hold the pre-match press conference scheduled for today, January 2.
McFarlane has been working for Chelsea since the summer of 2025. He started coaching at Manchester City's Academy in 2020, moved to Southampton in 2023, and after two years coaching the Saints' U18 and U21 teams, he accepted Chelsea's offer.
Sunday's game is very important for Chelsea. Failure would leave the Londoners 14 points behind Pep Guardiola's side and, should Liverpool win at Fulham, six points adrift of the Champions League places.
