Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane is keeping his squad focused and confident ahead of Saturday's blockbuster FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley (kick-off 15:00 BST).

The Blues have received a major fitness boost with captain Reece James and Levi Colwill both training well this week and declared available for the showpiece event. McFarlane is also optimistic that Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, and Robert Sanchez could feature, giving Chelsea a timely lift as they prepare to face the Premier League champions.

McFarlane didn't mince words about his team's recent league form, calling it "way below the standard" expected. But he sees the FA Cup final as a golden opportunity to add more silverware to the club's cabinet. "We want to win it," he said, emphasizing the prestige of the competition and the hunger within the squad to deliver on the big stage.

When asked about persistent rumors linking Xabi Alonso with the full-time managerial role, McFarlane deflected gracefully. "There are a lot of names linked with the job, but it's not my place to say who should get it." His focus remains squarely on the task at hand.

For McFarlane, this will be a career-defining moment. "I'll feel all the emotions, I'd imagine," he admitted when reflecting on leading Chelsea out at Wembley. "I can't tell you how I'll feel on the day." Despite admitting he hasn't managed in a game "of this magnitude" before, he insists the preparations remain unchanged. "We'll make it as normal as possible, but it's a massive game and you can't hide away from it because we all want to win."

City's midweek fixture schedule could work in Chelsea's favor, but McFarlane isn't banking on any advantage. "It's tough when you have a game midweek and have a triple gameweek. We've had a lot of them this year, but we are concentrating on ourselves. We need to be at our best."

He acknowledged City's quality, calling them "a challenge," but stressed his team's unwavering belief. "We have the belief we can beat anyone if they are at their best."

On the inevitable pressure that comes with a cup final, McFarlane was philosophical. "When you're at a club like this, there's always pressure. There's pressure to win every game, but this game as well—we have to accept it and embrace that."

For Chelsea fans dreaming of silverware, the message from their interim boss is clear: expect a team ready to fight for every ball, embrace the occasion, and wear the badge with pride.