Enzo Maresca has revealed that he is still taking advice from his 'professional father' Manuel Pellegrini – despite the fact that the couple is only a few days away from each other in a European final.
Maresca's Chelsea is facing a real betis side led by Pellegrini in the Conference League final in Poland next Wednesday while both teams want to end their season with silverware.
After playing under Pellegrini in Malaga, Maresca then worked with the Spaniard as his assistant coach at West Ham.
Since then they have gone their own way, but stay in close contact and Maresca has insisted that they will not change, even if they will be in opposite dugouts next week.
Asked about his relationship with Pellegrini on his Final Media Day of the Conference League Maresca said: 'It's special. I spent four years with Manuel, he is a reference for me because of his career and history.
“As a person he is a top person. I see him as a professional father, because when I have to make a decision, I talk to him.
“I spoke with Manuel yesterday, to be honest, because we are so close.”
Chelsea still has a lot to play in their last week of the season, with the Blues to travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday for their last league match in the hope of a top five finish and a place in the Champions League of next season.
Robert Sanchez is likely to start that match after he has reclaimed his place as Chelsea's no. 1 in recent weeks after an indifferent campaign.
However, Maresca has confirmed that Filip Jorgensen will take the gloves for the Conference League final, because Chelsea tried to be the first club to all won UEFA's club matches.