Who is Calum McFarlane, Chelsea's Interim Head Coach For Leeds United Game?

Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Who is Calum McFarlane, Chelsea's Interim Head Coach For Leeds United Game?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Pragjyoti Singh | Last updated Apr 26, 2026 10:55 AM ET

Calum McFarlane’s tenure as interim head coach begins at Wembley today as he leads Chelsea into their FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United.

The 40-year-old was promoted to interim head coach following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior on Wednesday. Rosenior was relieved of his duties after a difficult 104-day tenure that culminated in five consecutive Premier League defeats without a goal, a record the London club has not experienced since 1912.

Who is Calum McFarlane?

McFarlane is a well-established figure within the Chelsea coaching setup, having joined in July 2025 as the head coach of the Under-21s.

He built a strong reputation at Cobham by leading the youth side to significant victories in the Premier League 2 and a successful campaign in the UEFA Youth League.

Before his move to London, McFarlane gained experience in the elite academy systems of Manchester City and Southampton, where he was highly regarded for his tactical input and player development.

This weekend’s fixture is not McFarlane’s first experience leading the senior team. He served a brief stint as caretaker manager in January 2026 after Enzo Maresca’s departure.

During that two-game spell, he earned credit for securing a 1-1 draw against Manchester City before joining Rosenior’s backroom staff as an assistant.

Liam Rosenior applauds the fans following the team's defeat during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United.Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

His knowledge of the current squad is seen as a key reason for his reappointment as the club seeks stability.

McFarlane faces a significant challenge as he takes the reins of the club. Chelsea is currently dealing with several injury concerns, most notably the loss of Estêvão for the remainder of the season.

Despite these hurdles, McFarlane has emphasized in his pre-match press conference that the squad remains united and eager to compete for silverware.

With a place in the FA Cup final against either Manchester City or Southampton on the line, the match represents a critical moment for the club.

While the board evaluates long-term managerial candidates, McFarlane’s objective is to guide a team that has struggled for confidence and goals in recent weeks, aiming to secure silverware and stabilize a challenging season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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