Chelsea’s interim manager Calum McFarlane was bursting with pride after his team snatched a dramatic 1-1 English Premier League draw at Manchester City, capping a whirlwind week that saw the club part ways with Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea’s under-21s head coach was thrown into the deep end after Maresca suddenly left on New Year’s Day amid a poor run of form.
"There’s a lot of change that’s gone on,” McFarlane said. “Enzo was incredibly successful with this group. Some of [the players] were shocked by the decision.
"Everyone thought we were coming here to lose. No one thought we stood a chance, but we knew the character and the talent in this group.”
McFarlane relished his role as head coach as the “stuff you dream about,” but was not sure what the immediate future holds in terms of a new manager. “My sole focus has obviously been on this game. Until I’m told otherwise, I’ll lead the team,” he said.
Chelsea’s resilience paid off when Enzo Fernandez struck deep into stoppage time to cancel out Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half opener for City.
McFarlane credited captain Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo and Fernandez for their leadership during a troubled week.
"We had to adapt fast,” James said. “We have to stand together as a unit. We are one.”
McFarlane said one of the day’s highlights was coaching against Pep Guardiola, “who’s, for me, the best manager that’s ever managed.”
REUTERS
