Pep praises Chelsea's ex-boss Maresca ahead of clash with Blues: 'Incredible manager, incredible person'

Enzo Maresca's era at Stamford Bridge is over, but Chelsea have to continue their journey. However, the task ahead of the Blues and their interim manager, Callum McFarlane, is as tough as it gets - Manchester City.

The Cityzens are after Arsenal, and following the Gunners' victory over Bournemouth yesterday, they have little room for error.

Yet, given that they were working together at Etihad Stadium in the 2022/2023 season, Pep Guardiola had nothing but praise for his Italian colleague, speaking in the pre-match press conference.

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"Only I can say that Chelsea, I think from my point of view, lose an incredible, incredible manager. Incredible person. But it's a decision from the hierarchy from Chelsea, so (I have) nothing to say," the Spaniard said via Daily Mail.

However, the Cityzens boss did not like the questions about Maresca as his potential successor in Manchester.

"You want to fire me? My salary is so high, so I have one more year. So…" Pep started his speech, before continuing in a bit harsher tone.

"Oh my god, I have a contract, I've said it a thousand million times. I know you are bored of me, 10 years here. You want (me to leave)? Yeah, I'm pretty sure of that."

"You know, I will leave one day. I promise. I promise. But I have a contract. I'm happy, I want to fight with my team. The hierarchy respect me. They proved it last season with what happened in this club, that we didn't win one game in two, three months. They support me."

"So what can I do? I want to try and do it (next season), but maybe one day, I don't know. But I have one more year (on my) contract. I like to be here, so we will see. We will see. I've said it a thousand million times about that," he stated.

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The derby clash between City and Chelsea (20.30) will mark the end of the Premier League's 20th round, with both teams being under pressure to win.

On the one hand, the Cityzens have to keep up with Arsenal, which have a seven-point edge at the top of the EPL table, while the Blues could lose their spot in the top five teams in case of a defeat.

Therefore, the derby promises fireworks, and (hopefully) a lot of goals.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 20

Saturday

Aston Villa - Nott.Forest 3-1 (1-0)

/Watkins 45+1, McGinn 49, 73 - Gibbs-White 61/

Brighton - Burnley 2-0 (1-0)

/Rutter 29, Ayari 47/

Wolverhampton - West Ham 3-0 (3-0)

/Arias 4, Hwang 31 pen, Mane 41/

Bournemouth - Arsenal 2-3 (1-1)

/Evanilson 10, Kroupi 76 - Gabriel 16, Rice 54, 71/

Sunday

15.30: (2.75) Leeds (3.25) Man.Utd. (2.65)

18.00: (2.40) Everton (3.30) Brentford (3.25)

18.00: (3.80) Fulham (3.50) Liverpool (2.00)

18.00: (1.70) Newcastle (3.60) Crystal Palace (5.30)

18.00: (1.85) Tottenham (3.60) Sunderland (4.80)

20.30: (1.65) Man.City (4.20) Chelsea (5.60)

***odds are subject to change***