EPL; Chelsea’s McFarlane warns players over repeated news leaks

Chelsea’s interim head coach, Calum McFarlane, has confirmed that the squad has been warned over repeated leaks of team news, insisting the issue has now been “addressed” ahead of their FA Cup semi-final clash with Leeds United at Wembley.

As repoeted by BBC Sport on Sunday, McFarlane, who took temporary charge after Liam Rosenior was sacked following a 3–0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in the week, said internal discussions have already taken place with players and staff over confidentiality and professionalism.

The latest controversy emerged when the absence of João Pedro and Cole Palmer from the Brighton match was reportedly leaked on social media platform X on the morning of the game.

The post was allegedly made by a barber linked to defender Marc Cucurella, adding to a growing list of internal information breaches at the club.

Similar leaks had also been reported during Chelsea’s struggles in the UEFA Champions League, including before both legs of their heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

McFarlane said the matter has been dealt with internally but stressed it must not continue.

“It’s been addressed and was addressed previously,” he said. “We spoke to them about the importance of that and making sure it doesn’t happen again. It is something that needs to stop.”

The interim boss also acknowledged wider concerns around form and mentality within the squad, with criticism emerging after Rosenior reportedly suggested only a handful of players showed the required attitude in recent matches.

“Everyone at the club feels responsible,” McFarlane added. “The players know that, the staff know that. Recent form has not been good enough and we are going to do everything we can to put in a good performance on Sunday.”

Chelsea head into the Wembley semi-final looking to reset momentum after a turbulent week of managerial change, internal scrutiny, and poor results. McFarlane insists, however, that a single positive performance could quickly change the atmosphere around the squad.