Transfer rumors, news: Who will Xabi Alonso sign first as Chelsea manager?
ESPN
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Chelsea's interim boss Calum McFarlane believes collisions in the FA Cup Final should be considered fouls if they occurred elsewhere on the pitch. This statement comes amidst news of Xabi Alonso set to begin his tenure as Chelsea manager on July 1st, suggesting a transition in leadership for the club.
- The FA Cup Final saw several on-field incidents that interim manager Calum McFarlane has deemed worthy of closer scrutiny. McFarlane's assessment suggests a perceived inconsistency in refereeing decisions, specifically concerning physical challenges during the match. He articulated that the nature of certain collisions, if they had taken place in other areas of the field, would unequivocally have been penalized as fouls. This implies a desire for a more uniform application of the rules across the entire playing area. The timing of these comments coincides with the imminent arrival of Xabi Alonso, who is scheduled to officially take over as Chelsea's manager starting July 1st. This managerial change marks a significant point for the club as they look towards a new era under Alonso's guidance, potentially bringing a fresh tactical approach and vision for the team's future performance and on-field conduct. The focus remains on clarifying the interpretation of physical play and its implications for match outcomes.
