Temporary manager McFarlane pleased as Chelsea displays resilience to advance to FA Cup final

McFarlane stepped in amid chaos at Chelsea after Rosenior departed on Wednesday following only three months at the helm.

The team has endured five straight Premier League defeats without finding the net, marking their poorest streak since 1912.

This poor run led to Rosenior's dismissal and dashed Chelsea's chances of securing a spot in next year's Champions League.

Tensions between Rosenior and the squad played a major role in his departure.

However, McFarlane, previously on Rosenior's coaching team, managed to inspire a stronger showing from the players at Wembley.

"We needed to endure some pressure and demonstrate resilience and determination as they came at us hard. The resilience stood out the most," McFarlane commented.

"Those players proved their desire to succeed and their commitment to securing a vital match for the team."

Chelsea returns to the FA Cup final for the first time since 2022, aiming to claim the trophy again after their last win in 2018.

They are set to meet Manchester City in the final on May 16th, and McFarlane recognises that beating Pep Guardiola's side could redeem parts of Chelsea's challenging season.

"Relief sums it up well. We felt prepared entering the match with solid preparation over three days, yet outcomes are unpredictable. Our goal was to change the tide; recent results have been poor," he noted.

"Leeds likely saw us as exposed. We recognised our fragility at that point.

"Gradually we gained command. Robert Sanchez's key stops were crucial. Clean sheets have been scarce lately."

'I sensed what they required mentally'

Enzo Fernandez nodded in Chelsea's decisive goal in the 23rd minute, a notable turn given his rocky dynamic with Rosenior, who benched the Argentine for two fixtures after Fernandez hinted at possibly departing post-season.

Fernandez shone against Leeds, and McFarlane remarked: "What's most striking about him is his battling spirit.

"In tough spots, a flawless strategy isn't essential; his willingness to chase and fight often tips the balance."

McFarlane began the campaign leading Chelsea's Under-21 side, yet this marks his second interim stint, having briefly managed after Enzo Maresca left before Rosenior joined.

"I handled it for a week earlier, so I understood the situation. This round feels smoother with my bond to the squad after working alongside them for three or four months," he explained.

"As part of the support team, I grasped their mental needs. The pressure has been high."

With limited head coaching background, McFarlane enters as the outsider against Guardiola.

Still, he has already held his own versus the renowned City manager this year, drawing 1-1 at the Etihad in January's Premier League clash.

"Plans can be drawn up, but they form an outstanding outfit in top shape. It poses a huge test," McFarlane stated.

"We tend to elevate our game, as seen versus PSG in the Club World Cup. It's largely down to mindset."