Calum McFarlane has revealed the conversation he has had with incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, and the confirmed the players’ reaction to the appointment.
Alonso was announced on Sunday as the new manager of Chelsea. He will start work on July 1, after interim head coach McFarlane has guided the club through their final two matches of this season.
The Blues host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night before completing their Premier League campaign away to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
News broke that Chelsea had reached an agreement with Alonso on Saturday, two hours after the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley, and the interim head coach has already been in touch with his successor.
Everyone is excited. He's a great coach, won major trophies, a great playing career. He will have lots of respect from everyone
“Really exciting news,” McFarlane said of Alonso’s appointment on a four-year contract. “[He is] very talented, massive pedigree. Yeah, really excited for the club. We're all looking forward to working with them.
“It doesn't surprise me. It's a massive club. I think we've got really exciting players coming to play here. Even though it's a disappointing season, they are showing at times this year the kind of quality that we have.
“So yeah, it's a massive club and it will always attract top players and top managers.”
McFarlane continued: “I haven't [spoken with him], but he sent me a text message yesterday [Sunday].
“I'll keep that private, but mainly just around the final. I've had a brief conversation with him via text message.”
Asked specifically about the players’ reaction to Alonso’s appointment, McFarlane said: "Everyone is excited. He's a great coach, won major trophies, a great playing career.
“He will have lots of respect from everyone. We're very excited."
