Chelsea have been the most successful English football club in the 21st century, with many elite managers along the way.
Calum McFarlane is the interim head coach entrusted with turning things around at Stamford Bridge. But who else is on his backroom staff?
Chelsea manager: Calum McFarlane
Calum McFarlane has once again stepped up as Chelsea’s interim head coach following the club’s decision to part company with Liam Rosenior.
The 40-year-old had previously taken charge of the first team in January 2026 after Enzo Maresca’s departure, overseeing matches against Manchester City and Fulham.
McFarlane had been the club’s Under-21s boss before moving into a first-team coaching role under Rosenior, who was so impressed by his work that he requested he remain part of his staff.
While still relatively inexperienced at the highest level, McFarlane earned praise for his calm presence and coaching ability during his initial spell in charge.
He now has another opportunity to lead the side as Chelsea assess their long-term options.
Chelsea coaching staff
Justin Walker (Assistant)
Justin Walker was Liam Rosenior’s main assistant. Walker made over 300 EFL appearances before joining Derby County’s coaching team, where he first worked with Rosenior. He has since been a part of Rosenior’s staff at Hull City, Strasbourg and Chelsea.
Kalifa Cisse (Coach)
Kalifa Cisse was another important member of Rosenior’s backroom staff. He followed the Chelsea manager from Strasbourg and has taken up the role of first-team coach. Cisse has known Rosenior for almost two decades, having played together for Reading between 2007 and 2010.
Ben Roberts (Goalkeeping Coach)
Ben Roberts was already Chelsea’s Head of Global Goalkeeping and is now also Rosenior’s primary goalkeeping coach. Roberts joined the Blues from Brighton alongside Graham Potter in 2022 and has survived four managerial departures.
Bernardo Cueva (Set-piece Coach)
Bernardo Cueva has been Chelsea’s set-piece coach since the summer of 2024. He was highly rated at Brentford and has made a big difference to the Blues’ effectiveness from set-pieces.
Ben Warner (Chief Analyst)
Ben Warner was Strasbourg’s chief analyst under Rosenior and he will occupy the same role at Chelsea. Warner started his career at Nottingham Forest before stints at Derby, Hull and Strasbourg.
