McFarlane relieved as Chelsea reach FA Cup final after Leeds victory

Calum McFarlane guides Chelsea to FA Cup final days after replacing Liam Rosenior
Enzo Fernández header seals 1-0 semifinal win over Leeds United at Wembley
Interim boss praises squad character after poor run of form

Chelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane admitted he felt “relief” after leading the club to the FA Cup final with a 1-0 semifinal victory over Leeds United at Wembley.

McFarlane took charge just three days after Liam Rosenior’s dismissal and oversaw an immediate turnaround, with Enzo Fernández’s first-half header from a Pedro Neto cross proving enough to secure the win.

The result ends a difficult spell for Chelsea, who had lost seven of their previous eight matches, and books a final against Manchester City on May 16.

“Relief is the correct word,” McFarlane said. “We were confident going into the game and had a good few days of training, but you never know. We wanted to shift the momentum and the character shown was the most pleasing part.”

McFarlane highlighted the players’ determination as key to the victory, praising their commitment after a challenging run of results.

“I think the lads showed how much they want to win and what they were willing to do for a really important result for the club,” he said.

Having previously stepped in as interim manager earlier in the season following Enzo Maresca’s departure, McFarlane said that experience helped him adjust quickly to the role again.

“It’s easier this time because I have a relationship with the players and understand what they need psychologically,” he said. “It’s been intense, but that familiarity helped.”

Chelsea will head into the final as underdogs against a Manchester City side chasing a domestic treble, but McFarlane believes his team can rise to the occasion.

“We know it’s a massive challenge because they’re an exceptional side in great form,” he said. “But we’ve shown before we can raise our level in big moments. It’s about character.”

The victory offers Chelsea renewed belief ahead of the final as they look to salvage silverware from a turbulent season.

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Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.