Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as head coach on a five-year contract.
The 44-year-old moves to Stamford Bridge from Leicester City after winning the race to succeed Mauricio Pochettino, who left by mutual consent on May 21 after just one season in charge.
It is clear that Chelsea have more faith in Maresca as they have given him a contract that will run until 2029 – with an option for another 12 months – and time to return the west London club to the upper echelons of English football.
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea's sporting directors, said: “We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven himself to be an excellent trainer who is able to deliver impressive results in an interesting and recognizable style.
“Enzo impressed us a lot in our discussions before he was appointed. His ambitions and performance are aligned with those of the team. We look forward to working with him.”
Welcome to Chelsea, Enzo Maresca! 👊#WelcomeEnzo pic.twitter.com/ZKfuXKQdGD
– Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 3, 2024
The Italian has secured the job following talks that have pushed him up Chelsea's wish list which reportedly includes the likes of Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank and Roberto De Zerbi.
Maresca said: “Joining Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. That's why I'm so excited for this opportunity.
“I look forward to working with a group of talented players and staff to develop a team that continues the team's culture of success and making our fans proud.”
Maresca enjoyed an illustrious playing career that included spells at Juventus and Sevilla before starting his coaching career at Ascoli and then Manchester City.
He led City's Elite Development Squad, helping them win the Premier League 2 title in the 2020-21 season.
A short, and unsuccessful, spell at Parma followed before he returned to City to work as one of Pep Guardiola's assistants.
He was appointed as Leicester's head coach in June 2023 and, despite some complaints from fans about what they saw as an over-tolerant approach, he guided them to an immediate return to the Premier League by winning the Premier League title.
He inherits a young but talented squad at Stamford Bridge that was beginning to fulfill its promise under Pochettino. Chelsea won their last five Premier League games last season, a run that saw them finish sixth and secure a place in the Europa Conference League.
His departure creates a headache for Leicester, who must now find a new manager before returning to the top flight.
A statement from Leicester read: “Leicester City Football Club can today confirm the departure of Enzo Maresca from his position as First Team Manager.
“Given the promising foundations established in one season in charge, the club is disappointed that Enzo has decided that he no longer wants to be part of our vision.
“However, since Enzo's decision has been made and the board's conditions for him to leave, we wish him the best in his future endeavours.
“He leaves thanking everyone at the club for his work in helping us return to the Premier League in the 2023/24 season.
“Employees Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javier Molina Caballero and Roberto Vitiello will also leave the team.
“The board will now begin the process of appointing a new manager who will lead us back to the Premier League and continue to implement our long-term vision for the success of Leicester City Football Club.”
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