Chelsea vs Leeds: 'The Blues' Should Prioritize the FA Cup

A run of five straight losses in the Premier League is bringing Chelsea nearer to the danger of not participating in European cups next year. Therefore, the FA Cup serves as a salvation for the Blues, offering both a potential title and a pathway to European football.

The likelihood that Chelsea will fail to secure a Champions League spot next season has now risen to 90%. They have dropped to 8th place after a 3-0 loss to Brighton and could fall even further. The 7-point gap to 5th-placed Liverpool is not yet hopeless, but only a miracle would allow Chelsea to compete in the Champions League next season. They must defeat Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Sunderland while hoping their rivals stumble. That is why Liam Rosenior was dismissed immediately on Wednesday night rather than waiting until the season's end. Keeping Rosenior would only increase the risk of Chelsea being absent from continental competition next season.

So what is a feasible task for Calum McFarlane, who will take temporary charge at Stamford Bridge for the second time until the season ends? Focus all efforts on the FA Cup. Securing 12 perfect points in the Premier League is no simple task. However, glory in the FA Cup is just two matches away for Chelsea. Up next is the semi-final against Leeds. If they win, Chelsea are likely to face Man City in the final on May 16th. Winning the FA Cup guarantees a Europa League berth next season regardless of their Premier League standing.

McFarlane is not unfamiliar with the role of interim manager at Chelsea. After Enzo Maresca departed Stamford Bridge on the first day of this year, this 40-year-old man oversaw two matches as interim manager: a 1-1 draw with Man City and a 1-2 loss to Fulham before Rosenior was officially appointed. The draw against Man City itself brought McFarlane's name into positive discussions due to his timely tactical adjustments.

Former striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink praised Chelsea's U21 manager without reservation: "McFarlane did a great job in the match against Man City earlier this year. He united the whole team, making the players believe they could achieve it. He has been at Chelsea for over a year and is highly regarded by everyone. Therefore, McFarlane can certainly handle the interim role well, just as Michael Carrick is doing at Man United."

His task this time is more challenging, with a maximum of six matches: four in the Premier League and one or two in the FA Cup. Speaking of the FA Cup, this trophy has built the reputation of many managers, both permanent and interim. In the 1996-97 season, Ruud Gullit won his first managerial trophy in the FA Cup, ending Chelsea's 26-year title drought. In 2008-09, Guus Hiddink, as interim manager, salvaged the season by winning the FA Cup. The FA Cup is also a trophy that top managers like Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Antonio Conte all successfully conquered during their time at Stamford Bridge.

Instead of exhausting energy in the remaining four Premier League matches, the best way for McFarlane to make a mark in his brief one-month interim stint is to bring home a concrete trophy. Defeating Leeds is the first step for Chelsea to pave the way for revival.