What sources close to Enzo Maresca are now saying about the Real Madrid job after leaving Chelsea

As Enzo Maresca’s time in charge of Chelsea officially came to an end on New Year’s Day, questions quickly turned to what was next for the Italian.

He has no doubt boosted his stock as a manager during his time at Stamford Bridge. Maresca delivered the Conference League and Club World Cup trophies, as well as bringing Champions League football back where Chelsea fans believe it belongs.

Eventually, the Blues lost confidence in Maresca’s ability to manage injured players, even putting a member of the medical staff in the technical area to ensure players weren’t being pushed beyond their limits.

Not long after his departure, Real Madrid also said goodbye to their manager, Xabi Alonso, despite him being in just his first season at the helm there.

Sources close to Enzo Maresca downplay Real Madrid interest

Madrid have an admiration for Maresca, however journalist Ben Jacobs has stated that sources close to the manager are playing down the chances of him taking over at the Bernabeu.

He said to TalkSPORT’s ‘Transfer Insiders’ podcast: “Zinedine Zidane return has also been discussed by Real Madrid as well. And there’s some appreciation for Enzo Maresca. Sources close to Maresca have kind of downplayed that there’s anything developing there.

“And we know that Juventus and Manchester City are two other clubs that have inquired for the former Chelsea boss.”

It does not feel as if it will be long until the former Chelsea boss returns to a new job, with a huge Premier League job potentially cropping up soon.

Enzo Maresca appreciated by Manchester City

It is being rumoured that this season could be the last of Pep Guardiola’s illustrious career at Manchester City.

Clearly it is a huge decision regarding who will replace him, however Maresca was on City’s shortlist even when he was at Chelsea.

The Italian has history working with the club as a coach, and looks a strong candidate for the role should Guardiola decide that his time there has come to an end.

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