Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as head coach on a five-year deal.
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 a single season in charge.
Chelsea clearly have more faith in Maresca having handed him a deal that runs until 2029 – with an option for a further 12 months – and with a brief to take the west London club back to the upper echelons of English football.
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said: “We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. 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. We thoroughly look forward to working with him.”
Welcome to Chelsea, Enzo Maresca! 👊#WelcomeEnzo pic.twitter.com/ZKfuXKQdGD
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 3, 2024
The Italian secured the job following talks that pushed him to the head of Chelsea’s wishlist that is also reported to have included the likes of Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank and Roberto De Zerbi.
Maresca said: “To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. 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.”
Maresca enjoyed a distinguished playing career that included spells at Juventus and Sevilla before starting his coaching career at Ascoli and then moving on to Manchester City.
He headed up City’s Elite Development Squad, helping them win the Premier League 2 title in the 2020-21 season.
A short, and relatively unsuccessful spell, at Parma followed before he returned to City to work as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants.
He was appointed head coach of Leicester in June 2023 and, despite some grumblings from the supporters regarding what they perceived as an overly patient approach, guided them to an immediate return to the Premier League by winning the Championship title.
He inherits a young but talented squad at Stamford Bridge that was finally starting to fulfil its promise under Pochettino. Chelsea won their final five Premier League games last season, a run that enabled them to 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 ahead of their return to the top flight.
A Leicester statement 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 during his single season in charge, the club is disappointed that Enzo has decided at this stage that he no longer wants to be part of our vision.
“However, with Enzo’s decision made and the board’s terms for his departure met, we wish him well in his future endeavours.
“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.
“Staff members Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javier Molina Caballero and Roberto Vitiello will also be leaving the club.
“The board will now commence the process of appointing a new manager that will lead our return to the Premier League and continue the implementation of our long-term vision for the success of Leicester City Football Club.”
