EPL

Chelsea appoint Enzo Maresca as manager

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Chelsea have appointed Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca as their new head coach to replace the departed Mauricio Pochettino.

After leading Leicester to the Championship title in his first season at the King Power Stadium the previous year, the 44-year-old Italian attracted the attention of Chelsea executives.

Following Pochettino’s departure after just one season in charge, a number of contenders were connected to the Chelsea position.

Prior to choosing Maresca, the west London club reportedly considered Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.

“We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea,” Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said in a statement on Monday.

“He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style.

“Enzo has deeply impressed us in our discussions leading up to his appointment. His ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club.”

Maresca, who was previously part of Pep Guardiola’s team at Manchester City, will start his new position on July 1 and be under contract for five years, plus an additional year at the club’s option.

“To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach,” he said. “It is why I am so excited by this opportunity.

“I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club’s tradition of success and makes our fans proud.”

Chelsea had a tumultuous season and Pochettino left by mutual consent last month, despite the club finishing strong in the Premier League’s mid-table for the majority of the season.

The Blues bounced back to win their last five games and guarantee their spot in the Europa Conference League.

They advanced to both the League Cup final and the FA Cup semifinals.

After Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium purchased the team two years ago, Maresca—who briefly led Parma of Italy in 2021—will be the sixth coach to oversee the first squad.

Since Roman Abramovich’s ownership was assumed by Clearlake in May 2022, Chelsea has invested over £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in new hires.

They rose to prominence in England and Europe, winning the Champions League twice and numerous Premier League titles, under the leadership of the Russian billionaire.

However, under a string of managers that included Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Pochettino, they have gone the last two seasons without winning a trophy.

Leicester, who spent one season in the lower leagues before returning to the Premier League, expressed their disappointment that Enzo had chosen to forego being a part of their plans.

“He leaves with the appreciation of everyone at the club for his work in helping us to achieve an immediate return to the Premier League during the 2023–24 season.”

Photo by EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT