Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane has challenged his players to salvage their disappointing season by defeating Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
Chelsea head into the final after a difficult Premier League campaign that has left them in ninth place and almost certain to miss out on next season’s UEFA Champions League.
McFarlane is currently in his second spell as interim manager after stepping up from his role with Chelsea’s under-21 side to replace Enzo Maresca in January and Liam Rosenior three months later.
The Blues have lost their last three FA Cup finals in 2020, 2021 and 2022, with their last triumph in the competition coming in 2018 against Manchester United.
McFarlane admitted winning the FA Cup would help soften the disappointment of Chelsea’s struggles this season.
He said: “Our recent form in the league has been way below the standard we’d expect and that we’d shown previously.
“It’s an FA Cup final, so we want to win it.”
“It’s a massive competition.
He added: “When you’re at a club of this magnitude, and like you’ve mentioned, the history that this club has got in this competition and winning silverware, there’s always pressure.
“There’s pressure to win every game. You have to accept that and embrace that.”
The 40-year-old manager also acknowledged the significance of leading Chelsea in a major final despite his limited experience at senior level.
He said: “I have managed a few games at this level; not of this magnitude, of course, but I will try and stay as level as possible, and the process will stay the same.”
McFarlane previously guided Chelsea to victory over Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley and also earned a 1-1 Premier League draw against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City earlier this year.
However, Chelsea suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to City in April and have failed to beat Guardiola’s side in their last 13 meetings since the 2021 Champions League final.
Despite that poor record, McFarlane insisted his players believe they can compete with any team when at their best.
He said: “They’ve got the belief they can beat anyone.
“We just know that we have to be the best version of ourselves.
“They’re an exceptional side, with an exceptional coach and exceptional players.
“They’re going to be a challenge, but we also have some really good players.
“These players have shown that if they’re at their best, they can beat anyone.”
