(Credit: Imago, @FabrizioRomano on X)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 29 April 2026 14:57, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Calum McFarlane has no plans to make himself available to become first-team manager of Chelsea on a full-time basis, sources have told Football Insider.

The 40-year-old has been placed in temporary charge of the Blues until the end of the campaign, and it is understood that he has already made it clear that he intends to return to the U21s side at the end of his stint.

The academy coach is “happy” with his current role as the interim boss, but sources have indicated that it is not part of his thinking to become a senior manager at this stage of his coaching career.

Chelsea are also content with the job that McFarlane is doing at the helm, after he guided them into the FA Cup final in his first game in charge last weekend.

Chelsea are weighing up their options when it comes to appointing their next permanent manager, as they are keen to get a replacement in for Liam Rosenior in the coming weeks.

Andoni Iraola to ‘find it hard’ to turn down Chelsea offer

Chelsea’s search for a new manager is set to see them consider a wide range of potential candidates to take on the responsibility for next term.

The likes of Cesc Fabregas, Frank Lampard and Xabi Alonso are all being heavily linked with the vacancy at Stamford Bridge, while Andoni Iraola is currently viewed as the bookmakers’ favourite.

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that Iraola would “find it hard” to turn down an offer from Chelsea if it came, such is the lure of the West London outfit.

The departing Bournemouth boss is understood to be interested in the idea of taking charge of the Blues ahead of next season, and is currently delaying any decision regarding his future until all his options are clear.

He has built an impressive reputation for himself over the course of his three-year stay at the Vitality Stadium, and it looks set to earn him a top job this summer, with clubs across Europe also showing an interest.

Calum McFarlane trusted with big FA Cup responsibility

McFarlane is now into his second managerial stint of the season at Stamford Bridge, having also briefly held the interim role after Chelsea reluctantly sacked Enzo Maresca back in January.

He is viewed as a safe pair of hands by the club hierarchy, who trust him to lead the team into the FA Cup final, while also potentially guiding them into the European places at the end of the season.

The capital club have seen their push for continental football falter with a dismal league run in recent weeks, but McFarlane now has four games to try and rectify that, and overturn the gap that has developed.

He is held in high regard at Stamford Bridge, where the board feel that he has strong credentials as a coach, but that is not set to lead him towards the permanent manager’s job on this occasion.