McFarlane will lead Chelsea today at Wembley in their FA Cup semifinal against Leeds as caretaker manager.
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And on the eve of the clash, text messages between McFarlane, then a Manchester City academy coach, and a friend have been made public.
When the friend said Chelsea’s victory proved then manager Thomas Tuchel was “tactically elite”, McFarlane replied: “At nullifying then snatch and grab?”
McFarlane also stated: “IMO (in my opinion) Boring! Mourinhoesque.”
Asked about the texts on Friday, McFarlane said: “I don’t remember saying that.
“I think Thomas Tuchel is one of the best coaches in world football. I’m a massive admirer of him.
“(Jose) Mourinho is historically one of the best coaches to ever do it, so I don’t remember that.”