CALUM McFARLANE will be part of Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea coaching staff next season.
The Blues coach has twice stepped in as interim manager this season and exchanged texts with Alonso on Sunday after the Spaniard’s four-year deal at Stamford Bridge was confirmed.
McFarlane insisted he had not thought about his role beyond the final two games of the season, against Tottenham and Sunderland, but is expected to stay on as part of the first team setup.
Set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva and head of goalkeeping Ben Roberts are also set to stay on as part of Alonso’s staff.
The former Real Madrid manager will also bring four trusted coaches with him to west London.
Sebastian Parrilla, Alberto Encinas and Benat Labaien and fitness coach Ismael Camenforte Lopez will all join the Blues having worked with Alonso in Spain and at Bayer Leverkusen.
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Asked about his future, McFarlane said: “I haven’t thought about that. There is so much to prepare for. There is so much to play for and answer. But my focus is always on the next game and the next training session.
“He sent me a text message yesterday. I’ll keep that private, but mainly just around the final. I’ve had a brief conversation with him via text.
“Really exciting news. Very talented, massive pedigree. Really excited for the club. We’re all looking forward to working with him.
“It doesn’t surprise me. It’s a massive club. We’ve got really exciting players coming to play here.
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“Even though it’s a disappointing season, they are showing at times this year the kind of quality that we have. It’s a massive club and it will always attract top players and top managers.”
Romeo Lavia is a doubt to face Tottenham on Tuesday night having missed the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City with a knock.
