McFarlane: Chelsea 'Can't Think About Anything Else' But FA Cup Semi

McFarlane back as Chelsea Interim after Rosenior sacked amid PL slump

Interim boss Calum McFarlane says Chelsea are locked in on beating Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final, not on Liam Rosenior’s sacking or their five-match PL losing streak.

“Estevao unfortunately won't play for us this season,” McFarlane said...

Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane said the squad isn’t dwelling on Liam Rosenior’s sacking and is instead focused on beating Leeds United this weekend to make the FA Cup final.

  

McFarlane returned as Chelsea’s interim coach Wednesday after the club sacked Liam Rosenior amid a five-match Premier League losing streak. He previously held the role in January when Enzo Maresca departed.

“We haven't had a ‌clear-the-air meeting, we have got the group focused for Sunday,” McFarlane, who was a part of Rosenior's backroom staff, told reporters on Friday.

“It's important we ‌have a real focus for the game ⁠on Sunday. We can't be ‌thinking about anything else, what's gone on in the past doesn't need to be spoken about. It's just everything geared towards Sunday.”

McFarlane said he spoke to Rosenior on the day he was fired.

“He was good, it was a good conversation. I have a lot of respect for Liam, I didn't know ⁠him before he came to the club, he welcomed me in brilliantly. I have a great relationship with him and I am gutted it didn't work out,” he added.

Estevao, Joao Pedro and Palmer update. 📲

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 24, 2026

Estevao ruled out until next season

Chelsea will be without winger Estevao for the rest of the season after he picked up a hamstring injury in last week’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United. The club is chasing its first FA Cup trophy since 2018.

“Estevao unfortunately won't feature for us this season. He'll be out for a while,” McFarlane said, as reports suggested the Brazil international, who turned 19 Friday, is a doubt for the World Cup in June.

Chelsea sit eighth in the Premier League, seven points off the top five and Champions League qualification. Still, the players remain united as they try to finish the season strongly, McFarlane said.