Chelsea caretaker coach Calum McFarlane addresses relationship with ex-boss Enzo Maresca ahead of Manchester City clash

Chelsea's caretaker manager, Calum McFarlane, has opened up about his relationship with Enzo Maresca. McFarlane, who is the Blues' Under-21s head coach, will take charge of the Blues' in their Premier League match with Manchester City on Sunday, January 4.

Once part of the coaching staff at Manchester City's academy, he took charge of Friday's press conference ahead of his return to his former club. In the press conference, he was asked about his chemistry with Enzo Maresca.

McFarlane claimed that he had a pretty usual and professional relationship with Maresca. He said, via Football.London:

"Traditional relationship you have as the U21s manager and the first-team manager. A lot of our players were used by the senior team, so a professional relationship."

Chelsea appointed Maresca in the summer of 2024 after he led Leicester City to Premier League promotion. He helped the Blues secure a top-four finish last season and they are fifth in the table right now.

The Italian manager also led the Blues to success in the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Europa Conference League last season. He left his role at Stamford Bridge on New Year's day after a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in midweek.

Calum McFarlane has impressed during his time in Chelsea's under-21 setup and is regarded very highly. The Blues are meanwhile reportedly looking to appoint Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior as the successor to Maresca.

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Pundit urges Chelsea to hire PL manager instead of reported favorite Liam Rosenoir

Pundit Jason Cundy has urged Chelsea to appoint Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner as the replacement for Enzo Maresca. Maresca left his role on New Year's day following a pretty decent 18-month spell at Stamford Bridge.

Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior is reportedly the Blues' top target for the managerial vacancy. However, Jason Cundy has urged his former club to make a move for Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner. He told talkSPORT:

"Oliver Glasner is the one I would go for. That’s where I would go. He has proven himself to be an excellent manager. Chelsea are not going to go out and poach the best manager. For example, we’re not going to get Pep (Guardiola)."

Cundy added:

"But I think, when you look at what Glasner has done at Crystal Palace, where he has taken them, where they have been. He’s had his own restrictions, by the way. He’s had his own problems at the football club for a lack of investment."

Oliver Glasner's stock has risen significantly following his impressive stint at Crsytal Palace. Having taken over at Selhurst Park in 2024, he led the Eagles to success in the FA Cup and FA Community Shield last season.

Edited by Snehanjan Banerjee