McFarlane on Alonso appointment, player fitness and Spurs

[ASFN Admin]

Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 20:15 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Chelsea announced former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as their new manager on Sunday. On the appointment, McFarlane said: "Really exciting news - a great coach and massive pedigree. We're all really excited to be working with him. It doesn't surprise me. It's a massive club and we've got some really exciting players - some of the best players in the world who have shown, even though it's been a disappointing season, the quality that we have at times."
• On whether there has been a buzz around the club: "Yes, everyone has been excited. Like I said, a great coach. He'll have a lot of respect from everyone."
• The pair communicated via text at the weekend but McFarlane said he was keeping it "private", while adding that the conversation was "mainly around the final" of Saturday's FA Cup.
• On his time as interim head coach, he said: "I've enjoyed the challenge and the pressure. It's easier when you win games rather than lose them, but I've enjoyed it and we're ready for the game tomorrow."
• Following the Wembley defeat by Manchester City, McFarlane said they are waiting for Monday's training session to confirm player fitness, as they continue to "be careful" with Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill.
• On Mamadou Sarr and Benoit Badiashile not making the FA Cup final squad, he said: "They trained really hard, but we've got a lot of players in those positions. With all the players, we have to see how they come back today. We will make a decision as late as we can."
• McFarlane said it was a "50-50" game at Wembley Stadium that was decided by "a bit of quality" from Antoine Semenyo, but there were moments when it could have been a Chelsea player "that decides the game".
• Tottenham would secure their Premier League survival with a win on Tuesday, or Chelsea could have a hand in potentially relegating one of their fierce local rivals. But McFarlane said his team aren't concentrating on these external factors: "We're very focused. We need to win the next two games to give ourselves the best chance to finish as high up in the league as possible and get European football. That is our only focus in doing our job and putting in the performance we need to."
• He added: "Everyone knows the rivalry but both teams have a lot to play for, so I don't think we need to do anything special. Both teams are fighting for the points so we shouldn't need any extra motivation - but it will naturally be there for a London derby."

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