Chelsea Interim Coach Urges Squad to Show Consistency Before New Manager Arrives

Chelsea interim head coach Calum McFarlane told his squad they must demonstrate greater consistency ahead of Xabi Alonso’s arrival as the club’s new manager. McFarlane spoke before Tuesday’s match against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. He said the players need to show the level they displayed in the FA Cup final loss to Manchester City.

"We’ve seen what they’re capable of and they need to do it on a more consistent basis," McFarlane stated. He noted the team went "toe to toe" with Manchester City despite injuries and described the match as a 50-50 game.

Chelsea lost 1-0 to Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final. The result effectively ended their strongest chance of qualifying for European competition next season. The team has recorded no Premier League wins since March 4 and earned just one point from its last seven matches.

McFarlane said some players appeared to down tools under former manager Liam Rosenior. He added that recent changes at the club may have affected momentum.

Alonso was appointed Chelsea manager on a four-year deal on Sunday. He will replace McFarlane this summer. McFarlane said he received a text message from Alonso after the final and described the appointment as exciting. Alonso won two Champions League titles as a player and led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title two years ago.