June 4 – Chelsea have hired Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca as their new head coach on a five-year deal.
The 44-year-old replaces Mauricio Pochettino, who guided Chelsea to five wins in his last five games in charge, raising eyebrows about the wisdom of his departure. It seemed that everything finally started to click under Pochettino after a difficult start. A number of players are reportedly unsettled by the club’s decision to part ways with Pochettino and may look for moves in the current transfer window.
Like Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, Maresca worked under Pep Guardiola as an assistant coach at Manchester City before testing his hand as manager.
“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,” said Maresca.
“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, who will begin his new role on July 1, is Chelsea’s sixth managerial appointment in five years and the fourth since American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital bought the club in May 2022.
Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley 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.”
Maresca guided Leicester City to the Championship title last season, becoming one of the most dominant teams in the second tier’s history in the process though the club now faces charges of breaking financial fair play rules. No clear replacement has been lined up.
“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,” said a Leicester statement.
“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.”
Chelsea finished runners-up in the Carabao Cup and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup last term, reaching sixth place in the Premier League and qualifying for the Europa Conference League.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1730756990labto1730756990ofdlr1730756990owedi1730756990sni@g1730756990niwe.1730756990yrrah1730756990