Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane praised his side’s resilience after a 1-0 win over Leeds United secured a place in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.
The result came days after the departure of Liam Rosenior, with Chelsea responding positively despite a difficult run that had seen them lose five straight Premier League matches without scoring.
“We had to show character and stay strong under pressure,” McFarlane said. “The players showed how much this meant and what they were willing to do to win.”
Chelsea absorbed sustained pressure before taking control, with Enzo Fernández scoring the decisive goal in the 23rd minute. Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez also played a key role, producing several important saves to preserve the lead.
The win sends Chelsea into their first FA Cup final since 2022, where they will face Manchester City on May 16.
McFarlane said the victory was important in shifting momentum after a difficult period.
“There’s a sense of relief. We knew our form had not been good and that we were in a vulnerable position, but we managed to respond,” he said.
Fernández’s goal marked a notable turnaround after a challenging spell that had seen him dropped from the team earlier in the season. McFarlane highlighted the midfielder’s determination.
“He is a fighter. In games like this, effort and commitment can make the difference,” he said.
McFarlane, who previously worked with Chelsea’s youth setup and served on the first team staff, said his familiarity with the squad helped during the transition.
“I understand the players and what they need. It has been an intense period, but that connection makes a difference,” he added.
Chelsea will go into the final as underdogs against a side managed by Pep Guardiola, but McFarlane believes his team can rise to the occasion.
“It’s a big challenge. They are a top side in strong form, but we have shown before that we can compete at that level,” he said.
