McFarlane, once on the coaching staff at Manchester City's academy, will take charge of the Blues this weekend as he replaces Enzo Maresca, who was sacked earlier this week.
He has never taken charge of a senior professional football match and will lead a side who have only managed to win one of their last seven matches in England's top flight.
McFarlane not feeling the nerves yet
McFarlane first spoke on how he is feeling before his first game in charge in what will be a nerve-racking few days.
“It's been a crazy 24 hours, a whirlwind as you can imagine, but also really enjoyable and exciting. I can only be positive about it.
“Ultimately, it's a football match. It's not about me, my first game or playing against Pep - it's Chelsea vs City. Two top sides, we'll go there and compete. We've seen this year how this team can do in big moments.
“I'm quite relaxed about it. It might be more nerve-racking and daunting when it gets closer to the game.
“I don't feel famous, other than the text messages you usually get. I'm just focused on coming in every day and doing the best I can. It doesn't feel different.”
Reece James has been a true leader
The 40-year-old then revealed how his side are coping without Maresca and how defender Reece James has stepped up to lead the side in his absence as the team tries to stick together and focus.
“You don't know what to expect, really, but the energy and enthusiasm was exceptional today. They were really focused, driven and hungry.
"We have a massive game on Sunday. Reece has been brilliant, he has been a real leader in the group and helped the staff and players to get ready for Sunday.
"There's a really good culture at the club, in terms of the support from the first team, the directors, everyone seems interested. There's always a bit of an academy presence there (at U21s matches).
"In all honesty, it's exactly the same as it always has been. We're all here for the same reason. Training was great today, there was a really good energy.”