Chelsea have confirmed that Under-21 head coach Calum McFarlane will take charge of the senior team for their Premier League fixture against Manchester City this weekend.
The development follows the dismissal of head coach Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
McFarlane is scheduled to address the media on Friday ahead of the trip to the Etihad Stadium, as Chelsea prepare for the high-profile league encounter.
The club is not expected to appoint a permanent replacement before the City match, with McFarlane handed interim responsibility for the fixture.
McFarlane joined Chelsea from Southampton last summer and currently oversees the club’s Under-21 side, who sit fourth in Premier League 2 under his guidance.
The 40-year-old has previously described Chelsea as “a family club” and will now face the challenge of leading the first team against the reigning champions at a critical point in the season.
