Chelsea interim supervisor Calum McFarlane admits it has been a “whirlwind” 24 hours since he was named as non permanent substitute for Enzo Maresca.

Italian Maresca parted firm with the Blues on Thursday, 18 months after changing Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.

McFarlane, Chelsea‘s U21s head coach, was named as interim supervisor and can take cost of Sunday’s Premier League journey to Manchester Metropolis.

Such was the surprising nature of McFarlane’s appointment, the Englishman’s coaching floor cross needed to be amended to grant him entry to the membership’s press convention room on Friday morning.

“It has been a loopy 24 hours, a whirlwind, as you’ll be able to think about, but additionally actually satisfying and actually thrilling,” mentioned McFarlane.

“I can solely really feel optimistic about it. It is an incredible expertise.”

He added: “I’m fairly relaxed. I’m positive as we get nearer to the sport it can grow to be extra nerve-wracking. I have never labored at this stage earlier than however the lads have been good and we’ll do that collectively.”

Maresca’s departure got here after a 2-2 draw in opposition to Bournemouth on Tuesday, which left the Blues 15 factors adrift of leaders Arsenal.

It means McFarlane’s debut as a supervisor of a senior crew will come in opposition to Pep Guardiola, who celebrated managing his 1,000th match as a head coach in November.

“The crew must be prepared and ready and our position is giving the gamers the help they should go and execute,” he mentioned.

“I would not say we have now nothing to lose. Now we have to provide an actual good account of ourselves.”

Chelsea journey to Manchester three locations and 11 factors behind second-placed Metropolis.

Stories following Maresca’s departure advised the Italian had held talks with Metropolis over succeeding Guardiola, although the previous Leicester Metropolis boss denied the claims.

“From my standpoint Chelsea have misplaced an unimaginable supervisor and an unimaginable individual,” Guardiola mentioned on Maresca’s departure.

“It is a choice from the Chelsea hierarchy so I’ve nothing to say. How fortunate I’m within the membership the place I’m. My membership is extraordinary.”

Requested about his personal future, Guardiola – whose present deal runs till the top of the 2026-27 season – mentioned: “I’ve yet another yr.

“I have been right here for 10 years and I promise you I’ll depart someday however I’ve a contract, I am blissful, I need to struggle with my crew, the hierarchy respect me – they proved final season after we did not win one recreation in three months.”