Calum McFarlane says Chelsea have let the fans down following their 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on the final day, which means they will have no European football next season.
“The feeling in the dressing room is obviously disappointment,” interim head coach Calum McFarlane said after the game. “We wanted to make the best of a bad situation.”
Chelsea’s defeat to Sunderland drew the curtain on a disappointing campaign for the west London club, a season in which the Blues lost as many games as they managed to win.
When asked to sum up the season, McFarlane said: “Disappointing. We should be in the Champions League with the talent we have.
“This group has shown that when they’re at their best they’re a match for anyone across Europe,” he added.
McFarlane is in his second spell as interim head coach, and is the third man at the helm for the Blues this season following Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior’s respective dismissals. He is expected to join incoming head coach Xabi Alonso’s first-team coaching staff next year.
“I’m looking forward to it, of course,” McFarlane said when asked about Alonso’s arrival and his new role. “Xabi is a top coach and I’ve enjoyed working with this group.”
Wesley Fofana was given his marching orders in the 61st minute of the chaotic game against Sunderland, the 11th red card Chelsea have been shown this season.
On discipline issues, McFarlane said “It’s definitely an issue and a problem. Arsenal didn’t have one red card and they won the league.
“It’s something we need to look at and improve.”
When asked if his players gave it their all this season, McFarlane replied: “I don’t think it’s fair for me to comment on the whole season, but I have no qualms or desire to question their mentality.
“They gave us everything every single day. They can compete with anyone,” McFarlane said of his group. “We’re as disappointed as the fans. They’ve been brilliant this year. We’ve let them down.”