Lack of self-control proves costly for Chelsea, forfeiting European berth, says caretaker boss McFarlane

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Interim manager Calum McFarlane has admitted Chelsea’s dismal disciplinary record was a key reason for their failure to qualify for Europe.

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The Blues finished in 10th place in the Premier League after a 2-1 defeat at Sunderland on Sunday ended their faint hopes of securing a European berth for next season.

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In the last game of McFarlane’s second spell in temporary charge, Chelsea once again finished with 10 men.

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French defender Wesley Fofana was sent off for a second yellow card after fouling Wilson Isidor in the 61st minute.

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Fofana’s dismissal was the eighth red card for Chelsea in the Premier League this season and McFarlane conceded it was a major issue throughout a turbulent campaign.

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“It’s definitely an issue, it’s definitely a problem. I think we’re by far the team that’s got the most red cards in the league,” he said.

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“Pretty sure if you look at Arsenal, for example, who have won the league, I don’t think they had one red card.

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“It doesn’t help having that many red cards. It’s definitely something we need to look at and improve for next year.”

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Going into the final day of the Premier League season, Chelsea sat eighth in the table — enough to reach the UEFA Conference League — but they ended one point away from European qualification, completing a wretched season that also included an FA Cup final loss to Manchester City.

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McFarlane, who first stepped in following Enzo Maresca’s exit, returned as interim boss for the last six games after Liam Rosenior’s sacking.

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Former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso takes over on July 1 and McFarlane is adamant the Spaniard will inherit a squad capable of far more than they achieved this term.

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“I think that this group has shown when they’re at their best and when we’re in the right place, we’re a match for anyone across Europe, they’ve shown that this season,” he said.

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“That hasn’t been seen enough throughout the year, that definitely hasn’t been seen enough in the second part of the season. We’ve got some real quality players, we’ve got a new manager coming in who’s got a brilliant reputation in the game.

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“We’ve still had some flashes in the last month of what this group can do. It’s doing that on a more consistent basis.”

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AFP

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