McFarlane says troubled Chelsea still attractive to potential managers

TL;DR

Chelsea's interim manager Calum McFarlane claims the club remains attractive to potential managers despite a turbulent season. The Blues are searching for their sixth permanent manager since 2022 amid concerns about their Champions League qualification.

Key points

Calum McFarlane is Chelsea's interim manager.
Chelsea has had eight managers in the last 10 years.
The club is looking for its sixth permanent manager since 2022.
Chelsea is currently eighth in the Premier League.
The team is 10 points behind the Champions League qualification spot.

Mentioned in this story

Calum McFarlaneLiam Rosenior

ChelseaBournemouthFulhamReal Madrid

Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane (Ben STANSALL) (Ben STANSALL/AFP/AFP) Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane insists the Blues remain an attractive club for prospective managers despite their latest turbulent campaign. McFarlane is in his second spell as Chelsea's stand-in manager this season following Liam Rosenior's sacking on April 22. Rosenior lasted just 106 days after arriving from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca, whose 18-month reign ended in January following hints of a lack of support from Chelsea's hierarchy. Chelsea's BlueCo owners are searching for their sixth permanent manager since buying the club from Roman Abramovich in 2022. The west Londoners have had eight managers in the past 10 years, excluding interims, leaving Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali with a potential perception problem as they seek to lure a new boss to Stamford Bridge. But McFarlane, who has led Chelsea to the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 16, is adamant his club remain a tempting proposition for top managers. "I don't think I have to sell that in all honesty, it's one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a great history of winning," he told reporters on Friday. "We've got some unbelievable players, some of the best players in the world, great training facilities. You've got everything you could want." Chelsea have been linked with Bournemouth's outgoing boss Andoni Iraola, Fulham manager Marco Silva and former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, among others. But their hopes of luring a quality replacement for Rosenior will be hindered if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. McFarlane's side are eighth in the Premier League, with only the top five guaranteed to reach Europe's elite club competition. The Blues are 10 points behind fifth-placed with just four games left, starting with Monday's home clash against . "We just have to keep winning our games. The mood has been lifted after a recent run of losses," McFarlane said. After reports of disharmony among Chelsea's squad during Rosenior's reign, McFarlane said , and going to watch tennis in Madrid this week showed the team are still united. "It says a lot of the group that they go away together. I love that they spend time together," he said. "They went to Madrid to watch tennis, I don't see an issue. It is positive sign for the unity of the group." smg/jw/pi

Q&A

Why is Chelsea looking for a new manager?

Chelsea is searching for a new manager following the sacking of Liam Rosenior after just 106 days in charge.

Who are the potential candidates for Chelsea's managerial position?

Potential candidates include Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Fulham's Marco Silva, and former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso.

What is Chelsea's current position in the Premier League?

Chelsea is currently eighth in the Premier League, 10 points behind fifth-placed Aston Villa, which affects their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.