Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea interim head coach McFarlane has admitted they "let down" supporters after failing to qualify for Europe following defeat by Sunderland.

Trai Hume and a Malo Gusto own goal gave the Black Cats a 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light, despite Cole Palmer pulling one back for the Blues.

Asked about missing out on Europe and finishing 10th, McFarlane said: "We didn't get the performance we wanted or the result.

"The message to the fans - we're as disappointed as they are, and we're gutted we couldn't do it for them. They've been brilliant this year, especially in the past couple of weeks when we needed to win games.

"We felt their presence, and unfortunately we've let them down. We weren't able to produce the performance they deserved."

McFarlane insisted his players did "give everything" but said Chelsea had been "too inconsistent" and should be competing in the Champions League.

Chelsea have appointed former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as manager from 1 July.

It is understood McFarlane will be part of his staff at Stamford Bridge, and the Englishman said there are positives despite a bitterly disappointing day.

"This group has shown that, at their best and when we're in the right place, we are a match for anyone in Europe. It hasn't been seen enough throughout the season - especially in the second half," he said.

"But we have some real quality players, a new manager with a brilliant reputation and we've still seen flashes in the last month of what this team can do."

Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane, speaking to BBC Match Of The Day: "It's a disappointing result and performance. We didn't hit the levels this group is capable of.

"Sunderland deserved to win the game. I thought they started well and we didn't match their tempo and intensity. I was hoping we would get momentum after Cole Palmer's goal.

"We are gutted, disappointed and haven't performed well enough. This club needs to be in Europe and these players need to be in Europe. We'll need to review the season and reflect to give the new manager the best opportunity to attack the new season."

Did you know?

• Since the start of March, Chelsea have lost more Premier League games than any other side (eight).

• Pedro Neto has had a hand in 11 Premier League goals this season (five goals, six assists), his joint best return in a campaign in the competition.

• Malo Gusto's own goal was the first time Chelsea have put through their own net in the Premier League since the final day of last season (Benoit Badiashile v Bournemouth).

• Chelsea are only the third team to go through an entire Premier League season without fielding a single player aged 30+ after Middlesbrough in 2008-09 and the Blues last season.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This was a fitting end to a chaotic season as Chelsea found themselves outfought, out-thought and looking ill-disciplined after their latest red card.

Everything that has gone wrong with Chelsea's season was crammed into 90 minutes.

They were toppled by a team they were expected to beat, with Wesley Fofana the latest to get sent off.

It is remarkable to think that optimism had not been higher in years at Chelsea when the season began.

They had just won the Conference League and Club World Cup and had qualified for the Champions League under Enzo Maresca.

However, Maresca's falling-out with the hierarchy and decision to walk out on New Year's Day has proven pivotal.

His replacement, Liam Rosenior, lasted less than four months and departed after six defeats in a row without scoring, while interim replacement Calum McFarlane failed to win the FA Cup or qualify for Europe.

It was just two wins in 13 league matches under the Blues' final two head coaches of the season, turning likely Champions League qualification into mid-table nothingness.

The decline has left players like Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella criticising their own club while even captain Reece James said earlier this week that "stability is key".

All involved are responsible for this group of players, assembled for £1.6billion over Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's ownership, to achieve so little in their fourth season since buying the club in 2022.

A return of 52 points is the fifth-lowest total Chelsea have had in the Premier League era.

Chelsea not only missed out on their minimum pre-season goal of qualifying for the Champions League, but this is now the second time in four seasons under the BlueCo ownership that they have failed to qualify for Europe.

At least the campaign is over for angry supporters, and the appointment of Xabi Alonso offers some optimism, with both fans and players seemingly able to get behind his incoming arrival on July 1.

Chelsea need stability, but at such a low ebb, with reduced transfer budgets and need to slim down the squad, Alonso will need patience.

Chelsea have missed out on a place in Europe after ending the season with a defeat at Sunderland.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know how you are feeling.

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page for a selection of your replies - reaction and analysis to follow shortly

Luke O'Nien starts ahead of Omar Alderete in defence for Sunderland.

That's the only change made by manager Regis le Bris for the final match of the season taking place at the Stadium of Light from the 3-1 away win at Everton last weekend.

Alderete is among the substitutes.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Geertruida, Mukiele, O'Nien, Mandova, Xhaka, Sadiki, Hume, Le Fee, Angulo, Brobbey

Subs: Ellborg, Alderete, Cirkin, Mayenda, Rigg, Diarra, Traore, Isador, Ta Bi

Chelsea make three changes from the team that beat Tottenham on Tuesday, including drafting striker Joao Pedro back in ahead of Liam Delap.

Levi Colwill also returns to the backline as Calum McFarlane switches back to a three man defence again.

Malo Gusto comes in at wing-back with Andrey Santos and Josh Acheampong also dropping back onto the bench.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Fofana, Colwill, Hato, Gusto, Caicedo, Fernandez, Cucurella, Palmer, Neto, Joao Pedro

Subs: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Chalobah, James, Derry, Essugo, Santos, Garnacho, Delap

It is the last day of the Premier League, every side is in action this Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Burnley v Wolves

• Crystal Palace v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Fulham v Newcastle

• Liverpool v Brentford

• Manchester City v Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth

• Sunderland v Chelsea

• Tottenham v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• West Ham v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Kick-off times 16:00 BST

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Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There are many at Chelsea who will be happy to see the back of another turbulent, disappointing season.

It was a year in which Chelsea were talked about as potential title contenders under Enzo Maresca in November, but a shock falling-out after a poor run in December led to the Italian leaving the club on New Year's Day. He is now set to join Manchester City as Pep Guardiola's successor.

Although the logic behind appointing Liam Rosenior from partner club Strasbourg made sense, it left both clubs in the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership model damaged by a chaotic situation.

The appointment of Xabi Alonso as his successor, after four underwhelming months, has brought renewed optimism.

Attention has now turned to whether these players, under interim head coach Calum McFarlane, can salvage European qualification, with Champions League football already out of reach.

Having already enjoyed success in Europe's third-tier competition, the Conference League, last season, there is little appetite among fans, players or even the club's accountants to return to it.

Qualification for the Europa League would at least be viewed more positively and would make Alonso's job easier next season.

That would require Chelsea to win away at Sunderland - yet the hosts could themselves leapfrog the Blues with a victory - and also requires results elsewhere to go their way on the final day of the season on Sunday.

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Bournemouth have already guaranteed at least a top-seven finish, meaning they will either qualify for the Champions League or Europa League.

At present, sixth and seventh will qualify for Uefa's second-tier competition because of Manchester City winning the FA Cup and England winning one of two Elite Performance Spots (EPS).

If English clubs get six Champions League spots, they will lose a Europa League spot in exchange. That would mean only seventh place would qualify for the Europa League.

Brighton are currently seventh and have a one-point advantage over Chelsea and Brentford, the two teams directly below them.

A win for the Seagulls would guarantee them Europa League football at least.

If Brighton fail to win and Chelsea win at Sunderland, the Blues would overtake Albion.

Chelsea can also overtake Brighton with a draw, if Brighton were to lose by two goals and Brentford fail to win at Anfield.

Sunderland themselves could finish in the top seven. For that to happen, they would need Brighton to lose and Brentford to drop points.

What about Conference League qualification?

It is a similar story in qualification for the one place available for the play-off qualifying round of next season's Conference League.

Chelsea are in eighth and currently possess that available spot. Eighth place qualifies for the Conference League because of City winning the EFL Cup and the EPS to an English club.

Chelsea will secure European football in at least the Conference League with a win over Sunderland.

Brentford will secure a top-eight finish if they better Chelsea's result.

Sunderland in 10th would leapfrog both if they beat Chelsea and Brentford drop points.

Sunderland will finish above Chelsea if they win this and that would hardly count as a surprise.

The Black Cats come into this game off the back of beating Everton away and another win here would secure a top-10 finish and, possibly, European football.

That is what Chelsea are playing for too, after that run of six straight league defeats saw them fall away from the Champions League places.

Chelsea got a good win over Tottenham on Tuesday but I am expecting this to be close, and I can see it ending up in a draw.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

On the latest episode of the Football Daily podcast, former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison and former Premier League midfielder Don Hutchison spoke about incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso and the personality he will bring to the Premier League.

Morrison said: "Xabi Alonso will be good. If Chelsea can get recruitment sorted in the summer, I think they will surprise a lot of people.

"I would have loved Xabi Alonso to go to Liverpool but Arne Slot is still in a job so when a job like Chelsea comes along, you have to grab it with both hands."

The former Liverpool midfielder will start work at Stamford Bridge on 1 July, despite being heavily linked with the managerial position at Anfield after leaving Real Madrid by mutual consent back in January.

"Alonso is a top manager. He won't be one of those characters like [Roberto] De Zerbi on the touchline but he thinks about the game, he is a student of the game," Morrison continued.

"I know it didn't work out for him at Real Madrid, but it's a big club and these things can happen. I think he will be a very good appointment for Chelsea and I think we will be talking about a lot about Xabi Alonso next season."

Hutchinson said: "He needs to have a lot more control than previous managers have had and I think he will get it because he commands respect. He's not a rookie coach, he's not a young guy. He is well respected as a footballer and a manager."

Alonso will be Chelsea's third boss in a year, after the departures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.

"Chelsea's hierarchy need to back down and listen to the professionals now. The sports scientists and the owners need to take a step back and listen to what Xabi Alonso wants, his needs, his experience on the pitch," Hutchinson added.

"There could be a scenario where Chelsea have no European football whatsoever. Then, if that's the case, they could be in a fantastic position to make some sort of title charge next year.

"Depending on what happens to Chelsea in terms of where they finish, they could be real dark horses if they've got no European football whatsoever next year - but he needs control."

Listen to the full conversation here

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Sunderland and Chelsea collide on the final day with plenty on the line. The Black Cats are chasing a European spot, while Chelsea are desperate to sign off on a high after a disappointing season.

Sunderland eye European breakthrough

Sunderland's season has already exceeded expectations. Promoted via last year's play offs, they sit 10th and still have a chance of climbing to seventh. Victory would take them to 54 points and move them above Chelsea and potentially securing European football next season.

Their 2–1 win at Stamford Bridge in October remains one of the standout results of their campaign.

Completing a first league double over Chelsea since 2000–01 would underline the progress made under Regis Le Bris, who has been shortlisted for the manager of the season awards.

Resilience has been a defining feature. Sunderland have recovered 22 points from losing positions — the most in the Premier League — and that ability to stay in matches was evident again in their 3–1 win at Everton last weekend.

Another victory would give them back to back league wins for only the third time this season.

They are also only the fifth promoted side in the past 16 years to reach the 50 point mark, joining Wolves, Sheffield United, Leeds and Fulham.

Final days have not always been kind to Sunderland, though. They have won just one of their 16 previous Premier League season finales.

Chelsea look to finish with momentum

Chelsea's 2–1 win over Tottenham on Tuesday ended a run of seven league matches without a victory. It offered a glimpse of improvement in a season marked by inconsistency and managerial change.

Xabi Alonso will not be in the dugout at the Stadium of Light, but the incoming manager will be watching closely as he assesses the squad he inherits.

For now, Chelsea have the chance to record consecutive league wins for the first time since early in the year.

Their record away at Sunderland is strong, with just one defeat in their last 13 league visits.

Individual performances have also shown signs of progress: Enzo Fernandez is enjoying his most productive Premier League campaign, while João Pedro has been directly involved in seven goals across his last nine appearances.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether Chelsea would be better off having a season without European football next season under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Here are some of your comments:

Kevin: I'd rather miss Europe for the year and give Alonso the chance to bed his team and style down. One game a week hasn't done Manchester United any harm and I hope we could do same.

Graham: As much as it is important financially for the club to have European football next season, players are not machines and they need a proper rest. Most of the squad got just three weeks last summer and those involved in the World Cup will again be limited to the amount of time they have off before next season. Chelsea would benefit physically from having no extra European games next season, but the club would suffer financially, and perhaps with the recruitment of new players.

James: Other than Champions League, Europe is a distraction from the core task at Chelsea next year. It is better to invest in improving their game domestically under Alonso (if he is up to the task) and set sights on creating the sustainable platform to reach Champions League again.

Jerome: We need to go for a win in this last game, regardless of what type of European cup we may end up with. I know the Conference League doesn't add much revenue to the club, but it doesn't matter. Even if we're genuinely worried about fixture congestion, or key player fatigue, we should see it as an opportunity to give fringe players more minutes. A cup is a cup, and we should embrace it.

Colin: Conference League was good for giving fringe players a run-out. It kept them interested and it gave management a chance to see what they could do. It also gave the main players a rest between important matches. The problem lies financially as it is hard to attract crowds to matches against poor opposition.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Legendary defender Thiago Silva is still weighing up his options after announcing his decision to leave Porto.

Sources close to the 41-year-old say a final decision has yet to be made, while a coaching role at Chelsea's academy is not understood to be on the table at present.

That is not to say one could not be offered at a later date, with Silva maintaining positive relationships at Stamford Bridge. He was recently welcomed as a guest in the directors' box for Chelsea's home defeat by Nottingham Forest.

Silva is also known to be keen to embark on a coaching career, having completed his Uefa B licence, and has retained his family home near Chelsea's training ground in Cobham.

However, it has been further explained that Silva wanted to weigh up all his options having been omitted from Brazil's squad.

It remains unclear whether that will be to retire and go into coaching or continue playing, with reported interest from AC Milan.

Silva made 14 appearances for Porto having joined from his boyhood club Fluminense in January, winning the Portuguese league title.

Speaking about his departure, Porto boss Francesco Farioli said: "Thiago Silva would love to be a coach in the future and I think he will become a great one."

Will Faulks
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It is common to remember where you were when major world events happen - and it is a sign of how momentous the news of Pep Guardiola coming to the Premier League was that I remember I was checking my phone between sets in a tennis match when it broke.

For Chelsea fans, the Guardiola era of dominance has coincided with their own team's decline. Just as he raised the level in the Premier League, Chelsea fell away.

Beating his Manchester City team at Etihad Stadium in his first season was one of the most memorable results in recent Chelsea history - and it was the moment Antonio Conte's team secured the title.

But despite the joy, there was a sense that day that Chelsea - while worthy winners of the Premier League - were facing an incomplete Guardiola team who would not make the same mistakes again.

That sense proved to be accurate. City have since won six titles since and Chelsea have not even seriously competed for one.

Guardiola's unparalleled effects on football as a whole are well documented, but what is less obvious is his direct influence on events at clubs around him.

In recent years, some managers at Chelsea have been sacked for failing to compete with him, while others have departed for failing to emulate him.

The briefings about incoming manager Xabi Alonso this week claim that a major factor in the decision to appoint him was that his football has a direct link to the style played by Enzo Maresca, who has shaped this current squad.

Maresca is of course one of Guardiola's disciples and a former assistant of his.

It is a reminder that the 'identity' Chelsea's sporting directors are trying to establish is a direct link back to Guardiola and his immeasurable impact on English football.

Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News, external

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Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• McFarlane said Joao Pedro and Levi Colwill both trained on Friday and were looking "promising" with a hope the pair will be "fit for Sunday."

• He added that Reece James also trained but they are "taking it day by day" and "hoping" he can feature.

• On reflections from the game against Tottenham Hotspur: "I think we were impressed in different ways at times, we knew it would be a challenge physically and mentally. We played some really nice stuff in the first half. It ended up becoming about grit and determination and defending our box, which is not really how we want to play."

• On fan support: "Stamford Bridge was great, brilliant at Wembley as well. It comes from us as well, we have to start well. If we can get the crowd like that it can become a difficult place to play at. We want to win games and trophies for the fans."

• The Blues manager said his experience of being interim manager has brought: "Great learning, great experiences, really thankful to the staff and the players. Really happy to help the club in any way I'm needed. It's always going to be a massive challenge."

• He added: "I wouldn't say it's accelerated ambitions, I've really enjoyed the challenge. It's given me perspective on what it's like to manage at this level. I'm happy with whatever position I am in next year. I'm very grateful for the trust and the opportunity and that they felt I was the right person to step in."

• Cole Palmer did not make the England squad for the World Cup and McFarlane said: "I don't want to comment on that, it's nothing to do with me. The England manger has made his decision. We have full belief in Cole Palmer. I think in life and in football, you need to take every set back as a positive."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Chelsea? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Image source, Getty Images

Former Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has announced his retirement from football.

The 36-year-old joined Chelsea in 2012 and made 508 appearances for the club in an 11-year spell.

He won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and two Europa League titles during his time at Stamford Bridge, as well as captaining the Blues to Champions League glory in 2021 against Manchester City.

In a post on X, external, Azpilicueta said: "Dear football. Today, I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer.

"After so many years living my dream, I feel it's time to start a new chapter in my life.

"Being honest, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment, I found it hard to write this letter. After 20 seasons, many people have played an important role in my career.

"When I first kicked a ball as a child in Pamplona with my schoolmates, I never imagined the amazing journey ahead. I'm grateful for every moment: the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I've met and the friendships I've made along the way.

"To my team-mates, coaches, and every staff member at all the clubs I've been lucky to be part of, thank you for helping me grow as a person and a player every day.

"Wearing the shirts of Osasuna, Marseille, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, and representing my country at the biggest stages has been a true privilege. Every moment has meant so much to me."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea are hopeful winger Estevao Willian will be fit enough to return early in pre-season.

The 18-year-old suffered a serious hamstring tear more than a month ago in a defeat by Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

It has subsequently ruled him out of the World Cup in Brazil, but officials are hopeful Estevao will be able to play a significant part in the club's pre-season tour of Australia and Asia under new manager Xabi Alonso.

That's after positive work has been done behind the scenes with Estevao having been granted over three weeks of leave to do part of his rehabilitation in Brazil before returning to Chelsea to support his team-mates in the FA Cup final and last few league matches of the season.

Alonso is expected to have a strong squad available this summer, with a number of senior players not selected for the tournament.

Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah and uncapped Liam Delap were not included in England's squad, while Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos also missed out for Brazil.

Chelsea will play two matches in Australia before the final three fixtures in Asia.

Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Josh King (Fulham) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.

Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.

"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.

Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.

"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.

"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.

"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Follow reaction to Tuchel's England squad announcement here

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea still have every chance of securing European football for 2026-27 when they go head-to-head with fellow hopefuls Sunderland on the final day of the season.

Calum McFarlane's side are currently eighth in the Premier League on 52 points. If the Blues beat the Black Cats on Sunday afternoon, they will not finish lower than their current position and will seal a spot in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League next term.

If Brighton drop points against Manchester United in their final fixture, and Chelsea pick up a win, the Blues could steal seventh place and guarantee themselves Europa League football.

However, Regis le Bris' team will leapfrog Chelsea with a win and knock McFarlane's side out of European football contention altogether.

If the battle at the Stadium of Light ends in a draw, the Blues could finish eighth and qualify for the Europa Conference League, but Brentford would also have to lose or draw to Liverpool on the final day.

However, with new boss Xabi Alonso waiting in the wings, would Chelsea be better off having a season without European football commitments?

Let us know your thoughts here

Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, but the Cherries insist the 19-year-old is not for sale. (Mail), external

Xabi Alonso's appointment as Chelsea manager could scupper Atletico Madrid's hopes of signing Marc Cucurella, with the 44-year-old keen to keep hold of the Spain defender. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

Liam Delap is edging closer to exiting Chelsea, with Everton in pole position to sign the 23-year-old striker. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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