Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane addresses team news leaks ahead of FA Cup semi-final

Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane says team news leaks "need to stop" but insists the issue has been "addressed" going into their FA Cup semi-final against Leeds.

McFarlane, 38, was placed in temporary charge after Liam Rosenior was sacked midweek following Tuesday's 3-0 defeat at Brighton.

The absences of Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer from that match were seemingly leaked on the morning of the game through a post on social media platform X by the barber of defender Marc Cucurella. That was the latest in a series of leaks during Rosenior's time in charge, other high-profile examples coming before both legs of Chelsea's 8-2 Champions League last-16 defeat by Paris St-Germain.

McFarlane, who will take charge until the end of the season, beginning with Sunday's match at Wembley, said the squad have been reminded not to divulge the line-up.

"It's been addressed and was addressed previously," said McFarlane, who had been promoted from under-21s manager to Rosenior's staff during his brief three-month tenure. "It is something we looked into and it needs to stop. We spoke to them about the importance of that and making sure it doesn't happen again."

McFarlane's comments came after the professionalism of Chelsea's players was questioned this week, following widespread reports that the dressing room had not been behind Rosenior, forcing a change in the dugout.

After the defeat at Brighton, Rosenior said only "three or four" of his starting XI had shown the required "attitude, spirit and determination".

McFarlane added: "Everyone at the club feels responsible – 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.

"A lot of football is about momentum. We have had a losing streak, but that can change with one positive result."