Maresca reveals Van Nistelrooy’s phone call and ‘bluffs’ Chelsea
Blues coach says Dutchman called him asking about Leicester
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has revealed that Van Nistelrooy called him before joining Leicester after leaving Manchester United following the arrival of Ruben Amorim.
“Ruud is my friend. He called me a few days before he went there. We spoke and I told him that Leicester is a fantastic club with fantastic people and in the end he decided to go – that was our conversation,” revealed the Blues boss , who was in charge of the Foxes last season .
In the press conference ahead of the Southampton game, the 44-year-old also bluffed when asked if he still believes the team are out of the title race: «Absolutely. Arsenal have been there for the last two years, close to Man. City, and we have been a long way from City.»
“Being in the title race is a good pressure for me and the players – we like that pressure – but it’s not the case for us because Arsenal have been there with Liverpool and City in the last two years and we’re not there. Hopefully we can be there soon,” added the Chelsea manager.
The statement comes at a time when Chelsea are third in the Premier League, level on points with Arsenal (25), who are in second place behind leaders Liverpool (34).
