What you need to know about Chelsea's coaching situation ahead of the absolutely gargantuan FA Cup semi final with Leeds United at Wembley today
Later on today, at 15:00 BST, Chelsea will face old foes Leeds United in the FA Cup semi final at Wembley stadium.
After yesterday's first semi final, we now know that Manchester City await in the FA Cup final, which will be incredibly tough should the Blues progress, but they have lost the last two FA Cup finals, so there is that.
First, though, the focus is on Leeds, and the tough task ahead.
Earlier on this week, Chelsea made the decision to sack Liam Rosenior, just three months into his six 1/2 year contract in SW6, and no successor has yet been confirmed by the club.
This has lead to anticipation as to who will take charge of today's huge semi final across the capital.
Well, the answer to that question is Calum McFarlane. Fans will be familiar with the interim manager after he took charge of two games following the abrupt exit of Enzo Maresca, with a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad and a 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Some fans have shown disappointment at this decision, even though it is only an interim appointment. Many have suggested that he does not have the necessary merit and qualifications to take charge of the first team, and that it should have been someone like John Terry instead.
Nevertheless, here we are, and it is important to get behind him until the end of the season. In the small sample size we have so far, there are some positives to cling onto as a fan.
The team played very well in the 1-1 draw at the Etihad. As for the game against Fulham, there was a red card for Marc Cucurella and yet the team still created plenty - having four chances to the host's 0, despite having a man fewer for 68 minutes of the game. So, hard to pin the result on him.
Realistically, the bigger issue is the players than who is in the dugout. These players have let down several managers in the past, including McFarlane in that game against Fulham.
It feels possible that he sets the team up perfectly to win the game, but the players fail to execute the plan, particularly in both boxes. Having Joao Pedro back would be an absolutely huge plus for that. Let's see if he can start the game. It could make all the difference.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!