Liam Delap
Chelsea is gearing up for their FA Cup third-round clash against Charlton this weekend with a significant change in their coaching staff. Interim head coach Calum McFarlane has been promoted to the role of first-team coach, a move that sees him step up from his previous position leading the Under-21s. This reshuffle comes as part of a broader restructuring within the club’s coaching team.
Calum McFarlane said: “Liam arrived an hour or so before training on Tuesday. We were having a team meeting to outline what training looked like and he came in beforehand and spoke to the players about how excited he is to be at the club, his values, what he wants to bring to the team and what the objectives are.”
McFarlane continued: “He then stepped away, but knew the game plan from watching the meetings back. I spoke to him afterwards about what we were going after [against Fulham]. Because he came in so late, we had already done the prep, so he left it to us.”
The club’s statement confirmed McFarlane’s promotion and detailed further changes in the coaching staff. Ben Roberts, the Head of Global Goalkeeping, joins as the goalkeeper coach, while Bernardo Cueva will continue to lead the set-piece department. This reshuffle marks a new chapter for Chelsea’s coaching team, with McFarlane earning a significant promotion.
In the wake of Enzo Maresca’s departure, McFarlane impressed with his handling of the first team, a factor that likely contributed to his new role. Meanwhile, Harry Hudson, previously in charge of the Under-18s, will now take over the Under-21s, ensuring continuity within the club’s youth development structure.
The changes come as Chelsea prepares for their upcoming fixtures, aiming to build on the foundation laid by McFarlane during his interim tenure. His promotion reflects the club’s confidence in his abilities to guide the first team alongside the newly appointed head coach, Liam Rosenior.
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