Long wait for a domestic trophy at Chelsea has come to an end as caretaker manager Calum McFarlane is now prioritising FA Cup final preparations. There has been much speculation about a new permanent manager for the club but until this weekend’s clash against Manchester City, it is McFarlane’s job who is on his mind.
Chelsea have had plenty of bad runs of form in domestic finals. The team has been without the wind of Wembley in their sails, having lost their last six times they are there. Not to mention their record against Manchester City is poor. Chelsea have not managed to defeat Pep Guardiola’s team in its last 13 games against them in all competitions.
This last, however, is a fresh opportunity. McFarlane thinks that if his players play at their best, they can be a force to be reckoned with. He seems to be trying to keep the team focused and not be diverted by the surrounding buzz and speculation about his successor.
Lucky for us there’s also good news on the team front. Defenders Reece James and Levi Colwill come back to full training after injuries. They would provide much much needed stability to the Chelsea defence. However, some players such as Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez have been displaying some good form during training. This will allow Chelsea to have more options in the finals.
Chelsea will be looking to play a pretty perfect game against City from a tactical perspective. Buoyed by that pressure, but also the desire to end the trophy drought that’s been in effect since 2018.
It could be an indicator of how Chelsea’s season will run and it may set the course for the future of the club.
