Calum McFarlane was guilty of showing Manchester City too much respect in Chelsea FA Cup final defeat, according to Steven Gerrard.
Chelsea, under the stewardship of their caretaker manager, battled manfully and restricted City to just a few fleeting glimpses of goal but rarely threatened at the other end.
Semenyo’s stroke of inspiration, however, changed the complexion of the game but Gerrard felt McFarlane was too slow to react, only switching to a back four in the closing stages.
‘You’ve got to give Calum a lot of credit for that, they nulified this City team for large parts,’ Gerrard to TNT Sport. ‘I think if it stays like this though he will question himself. Should he have went to the four a little bit quicker when the game was in the balance.
‘Should he have backed his players and his team a little bit more. Maybe they had too much respect for Man City. ’ As Chelsea’s squad went up the Wembley steps to collect their runners-up medals, he added: ‘It was a missed opportunity. I think they can be proud of the effort and performance.
‘The manager set them up in the right way, you have to give City respect. You can’t go toe to toe if you’re not as good as them they’ll hurt you even more.
‘There’s definitely a lot of questions at board level and the fans want answers. They need to attract an elite manager to coach these talented players they’ve bought. Pep Guardiola was deep in conversation with Reece James after Man City beat Chelsea Wayne Rooney tells Chelsea to bring back club legend as coach Gerrard’s TNT colleague Ally McCoist concurred, adding: ‘They did OK today. In the grand scheme of things they’ve had a terrible end to the season.
Get previews of every single team at the World Cup sent directly to your inbox, featuring the players to look out for, games you shouldn’t miss and Metro’s big England predictions. Tom OlverChelsea make shock transfer decision that will help seal Xabi Alonso dealWho is Calum McFarlane? Chelsea interim manager in charge for FA Cup final
Please follow us on Google to support us Chelsea FC FA Cup Steven Gerrard
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ally McCoist senses blockbuster Rangers return for Steven Gerrard if Rohl goes as he bigs up another optionGerrard has been out of work since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in January 2025
Read more »
MAFS Australia 2026 bride lifts the lid on scenes that DIDN'T AIR with hubbyRachel and Steven split after their final vows 💔
Read more »
Steven Gerrard confession as Rangers return plan hijacked amid Rohl pressureThe Liverpool legend lifted the Premiership title during his spell in the Ibrox dugout
Read more »
Who is Calum McFarlane? Chelsea interim manager in charge for FA Cup finalCalum McFarlane is the manager for Chelsea's FA Cup final game against Manchester City today.
Read more »