Southampton U18 · 0 yrs
Chelsea interim head coach Calum McFarlane praised his side's resilience after their FA Cup final defeat as they bounced back in the Premier League to beat Tottenham 2-1 to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for European football next season.
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). Chelsea announced former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as their new manager on Sunday.
Chelsea's newly-appointed manager Xabi Alonso says he is filled with "immense pride" after signing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge. The 44-year-old, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid by mutual consent in January, will succeed Liam Rosenior and relieve Calum McFarlane of his interim duties when he begins on 1 July. Prior to his La Liga stint, Alonso spent three years in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, leading the club to their first-ever league title and also lifting the German Cup with the Bundesliga side.
Former Liverpool and Madrid midfielder starts on 1 JulyAlonso feels ‘immense pride to be manager of great club’Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager. The Spaniard has signed a four-year deal and will start work in pre season. He becomes the sixth permanent manager of the BlueCo era.The former Real Madrid head coach will take charge of the Blues from 1 July in what is his first managerial role in the Premier League. Calum McFarlane has been in interim charge since the sacking of Liam Rosenior last month and was on the touchline for Chelsea’s FA Cup final loss to Manchester City on Saturday. Continue reading...
Chelsea and Manchester City are set to meet beneath the Wembley arch in the 2025-26 FA Cup final, with Erling Haaland once again becoming one of the major talking points ahead of kick-off. Chelsea and Manchester City are set to meet beneath the Wembley arch in the 2025-26 FA Cup final, with Erling Haaland once again becoming one of the major talking points ahead of kick-off. The final arrives at a crucial moment for both clubs, with Manchester City chasing another domestic trophy and Chelsea desperately searching for something positive to rescue an inconsistent season. The 145th edition of the FA Cup final carries enormous weight on both sides. Manchester City has the chance to complete a domestic cup double after already lifting the Carabao Cup. At the same time, Chelsea hopes to end years of frustration at Wembley and finally bring silverware back to Stamford Bridge. The Citizens have already secured their place in the history books before the final even begins. Pep Guardiola’s side became the first club ever to reach four consecutive FA Cup finals. However, City lost the previous two finals against Manchester United and Crystal Palace after defeating United in the 2023 showpiece, meaning the squad arrives at Wembley eager to avoid a third straight final disappointment. On the other hand, Chelsea’s campaign has unfolded very differently. The London outfit has struggled badly in the Premier League and has already gone through major managerial upheaval during the season. Interim manager Calum McFarlane now finds himself with an unexpected opportunity to deliver silverware. Chelsea has lost its last three FA Cup finals, and another defeat would extend a miserable recent Wembley record even further. The Blues have shown flashes of quality in the competition, however. They scored 21 goals on their journey to the final and edged past Leeds United in the semi-final thanks to Enzo Fernandez’s winner. Will Erling Haaland play? Erling Haaland will start for Manchester City in the FA Cup final. The Norwegian striker was rested during the midweek victory over Crystal Palace and will return fresh for Wembley. Guardiola has also restored several important players to the lineup, including Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki. Haaland’s inclusion is especially significant given his strange record at Wembley, where he has struggled to score in major finals despite his remarkable numbers elsewhere. Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, and Erling Haaland celebrating. Speaking about Haaland’s Wembley drought, Guardiola joked: “On Saturday, he will score.” The striker’s return gives City a major boost. Haaland, Doku, Cherki, and Antoine Semenyo will form a dangerous attacking unit, with City having scored three goals in each of its last three matches. Chelsea vs Manchester City: Confirmed lineups Chelsea confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro. Manchester City confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland.
Chelsea will need discipline and defensive solidity if they are to find a way past Manchester City in Saturday's FA Cup final. There were encouraging signs in that regard last weekend, as interim head coach Calum McFarlane's switch to a back three (or five out of possession) yielded a 1-1 draw against Liverpool. The system offered greater protection in wide areas and a more compact defensive structure overall.
As English soccer’s oldest competition prepares for its latest showpiece event, attention has also turned toward the financial rewards waiting for the club that lifts the trophy. The road to Wembley has already delivered drama, pressure, and expectation for both Chelsea and Manchester City, but the 2025-26 FA Cup final carries another major incentive behind the scenes. As English soccer’s oldest competition prepares for its latest showpiece event, attention has also turned toward the financial rewards waiting for the club that lifts the trophy. Saturday’s final arrives during an emotional moment for both sides. Chelsea is attempting to rescue a disappointing season with silverware, while Manchester City is chasing another historic achievement under Pep Guardiola after once again reaching Wembley. Chelsea searches for redemption at Wembley The Blues head into the final under interim manager Calum McFarlane after a turbulent campaign that has left supporters frustrated. The club’s inconsistent Premier League form has increased the pressure surrounding the FA Cup, especially with European qualification still uncertain through league position. The London side has enjoyed a productive run in the competition despite domestic struggles. Victories over Charlton Athletic, Hull City, Wrexham, Port Vale, and Leeds helped Chelsea reach its 17th FA Cup final, with Enzo Fernandez playing a key role throughout the journey. Chelsea’s recent record in finals has been difficult, however. The club has lost three consecutive FA Cup finals since lifting the trophy in 2018, and its recent form against Manchester City offers little encouragement after a long winless run in this fixture. Manchester City eyes another piece of history Manchester City arrives at Wembley with momentum and experience on its side. The Citizens have now reached four consecutive FA Cup finals, becoming the first side ever to achieve that feat. The Manchester side has already claimed the EFL Cup this season and remains involved in the Premier League title race. Guardiola’s squad has looked sharp in recent weeks, collecting important victories while rotating key players carefully ahead of the final. City’s route to Wembley included a remarkable 10-1 victory over Exeter City before wins against Salford City, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Southampton. It has also dominated statistically in the FA Cup era under Guardiola, recording the most wins, goals, and clean sheets since his arrival in 2016. There is also growing attention around several senior players who could be approaching the end of their time at the Etihad Stadium. Bernardo Silva and John Stones are among the names linked with departures, making this final potentially emotional for the squad. FA Cup 2025–26 prize money breakdown Beyond the prestige and silverware, there is also a substantial financial reward attached to the competition. The winner of the FA Cup final will earn £2.12 million ($2.8 million), while the runner-up will receive £1.06 million ($1.4 million). The figures become even larger when the full tournament earnings are combined. Because prize money accumulates round by round, the eventual champion will take home more than £4.14 million ($5.48 million) across the entire competition. RoundWinnersLosersFirst Round Proper£47,750 ($63,000)£15,800 ($20,800)Second Round Proper£79,500 ($105,000)£21,200 ($28,000)Third Round Proper£121,500 ($160,000)£26,500 ($35,000)Fourth Round Proper£127,000 ($168,000)—Fifth Round Proper£238,500 ($315,000)—Quarter-final£477,000 ($630,000)—Semi-final£1.06 million ($1.4 million)£530,000 ($700,000)Final£2.12 million ($2.8 million)£1.06 million ($1.4 million) The total payout for the FA Cup winner exceeds £4.14 million ($5.48 million), while the losing finalist still earns roughly £3.08 million ($4.08 million).
