Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has broken his silence on his long-term future at the club, offering a reflective update as his team prepares for a monumental week of football.
Maresca's Future in the Spotlight
The Italian head coach, who signed a five-year deal with Chelsea last year, was questioned about his desire to manage in Spain one day during a press conference ahead of the Blues' Champions League clash with Barcelona. Maresca, who has already secured the Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea, refused to completely rule out a future move to La Liga.
"I decided to become a manager because of Pep [Guardiola's] Barcelona years ago," Maresca revealed. He added, "You know me because you are always in my press conference, even when you ask me what's happening in three-four months, I always say, I don't know." However, he was quick to reaffirm his current commitment, stating, "In this moment I'm very happy to be at this huge club, again one of the best clubs in the world, and this is the most important thing."
Chelsea's Form and Forthcoming Fixtures
This news comes as Chelsea enjoy a strong run of form, having climbed to second place in the Premier League after a 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor. Goals from Enzo Fernandez and an own goal from Neto secured the three points for the Blues.
The win sets up a crucial period for Maresca's squad, who face a daunting schedule. First, they host the Catalan giants Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night in a glamorous Champions League tie. This is swiftly followed by a high-stakes Premier League encounter against league leaders Arsenal next weekend.
Maresca remained pragmatic about the challenge, noting, "It's a big week. But at the end of this week, then we have Leeds away, Bournemouth away, Atalanta away, so it's another big one. It's always a big week, they are all important games, at the end of every game is three points." The manager must also contend with a lengthy injury list, which includes key player Cole Palmer.
Defensive Target Murillo's Feelings Revealed
Meanwhile, Chelsea's pursuit of defensive reinforcements continues, with Nottingham Forest's Murillo a long-standing target. The Blues are known to have had an offer for the 21-year-old Brazilian rejected in the January transfer window, with Forest holding out for a record fee.
Murillo, who joined Forest for £15 million in 2023, has been a standout performer and recently scored in his team's shock 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield. With Chelsea having conceded 12 goals this season, strengthening the backline is a priority for Maresca.
In a significant boost for Chelsea, the defender has previously spoken openly about transfer speculation. On the Benja Me Mucho YouTube channel in 2024, Murillo confirmed receiving several offers.
"I don't know if it's 70 (million), but I know there was a buzz of interest," he said regarding his rumoured price tag. "So, I don't know exactly how much the amount is, but I know there was interest. I've received a few offers. Some official, others sounding out." He listed clubs from England, Italy, and Germany as potential suitors.
Murillo concluded with a message that will encourage Chelsea's hierarchy: "If I stay in Nottingham, I'll do my best. If I leave, I hope they respect my decision. I'm calm and analysing it in the best way."
