Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Interim boss Callum McFarland paid tribute to Chelsea’s players who shook off a tumultuous week to secure an unexpected draw. Manchester City.
Enzo Fernandez equalized in injury time as Chelsea’s title challenge at the Etihad Stadium was derailed despite the unnerving sudden departure of manager Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day.
Tijjani Reijnders looked to have secured a hard-fought win for the home side as they try to narrow the gap to Premier League leader arsenal It was back to four points but Chelsea were rewarded with a tenacious performance and the game ended 1-1.
MacFarlane, the under-21 coach, suddenly thrust into the spotlight as interim manager, excelling in a battle of wits with the decorated Guardiola.
Yet he is keen for his players to accept the praise.
McFarland, who is now expected to make way for Liam Ronior ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Fulham, said: “There have been a lot of changes. Enzo has been incredibly successful in this team and some of them are shocked by the decision.”
“So the character they showed over the last two days and today – Reese (James) is a great character, Tosin (Adarabioyo), Enzo (Fernandez), they really brought the whole team together.
“Everyone thought we were here to fail. No one thought we had a chance.
“But we know the character and talent of this group and they’ve really stuck with it. I can’t speak highly enough of the characters on the team.”
Ronniol is currently in charge of Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg and there is a view that McFarland could now move to the French side to take his place.
“This is the first time I’m hearing about this, I don’t know,” McFarland said.
“When I first took the job I was told I would be playing against Manchester City.
“It is possible that the new head coach will take office on Monday.”
For City, it was another blow after midweek’s 0-0 draw with Sunderland, which left them six points behind the Gunners.
The addition of Josco Gvardiol and Ruben Dias to the defense through injury also caused further losses. John Stones On the sidelines.
Manchester City coach Guardiola said: “We have a lot of injuries. John Stones is out for I don’t know how many months. Ruben will be out now, Josko will be out and we always knew that Nathan (Ake) would not be able to play regular games.
“That’s what it is, but stay strong and we’ll find a solution. The spirit is there and will be there.”
Asked whether the solution might involve signing a defender this month, Guardiola said: “I don’t think so, but we’ll see what happens.”
Guardiola believes City paid the price for not taking risks.
He said: “We performed well in all departments except we couldn’t finish second, third or fourth.
“They had nothing to lose in the second half and they found their reward in the end.”