EPL: Chelsea can still save season despite slump - McFarlane

Despite a dismal run of form that has seen Chelsea suffer five consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring a single goal, interim manager Calum McFarlane insists there remains "a lot of belief" within the squad to turn their season around. The club's hierarchy acted decisively, dismissing Liam Rosenior after just 106 days following a 3-0 hammering by Brighton, a result that proved to be the final straw.

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I know it’s been tough recently, but we’ve had some good games this year, good performances against top sides in recent history.

McFarlane, who has had previous interim spells at Stamford Bridge, spoke to reporters for the first time since Rosenior's departure. He acknowledged the difficult period but pointed to past strong performances against top sides as evidence of the team's underlying quality. "There’s a lot of talent. Some of those players in there are some of the best players in the world for their position," he stated, underscoring his confidence that the season is not yet lost.

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So there’s a lot of talent. Some of those players in there are some of the best players in the world for their position. So there’s still a belief within us. We can turn this around and get our season back on track.

The immediate focus for Chelsea is the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds on Sunday, a crucial fixture where they desperately need to salvage some pride. McFarlane's comments come amidst reports of a rift between the previous management and the players, though he declined to comment directly on such speculation or confirm if any clear-the-air meetings had taken place.

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Who’s to say? It’s not anything I would comment on.

Adding to the team's woes, Brazilian winger Estevao has been ruled out for the remainder of the English season due to injury. McFarlane expressed his disappointment for the young talent, stating, "Estevao, unfortunately, won’t play for us this season. He’s going to be out for a little bit of time." The uncertainty also extends to his potential availability for the World Cup in June, a concern for both the club and the player.

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Estevao, unfortunately, won’t play for us this season. He’s going to be out for a little bit of time.