Enzo Maresca confirmed as Chelsea manager

Enzo Maresca has completed a move to Chelsea as manager replacing Mauricio Pochettino who parted ways with the club at the end of last season.

The former Leicester City boss will begin his new role on 1 July 2024 on a five-year contract, with a club option of a further year.

“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,” a statement on the club website read.

“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 said.

Maresca led Leicester City back to the Premier League after only suffering demotion the season prior.

He was among top candidates to land the Chelsea job alongside former Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto de Zerbi and Ipswich town coach Mckenna.

• Enzo Maresca: Leicester coach close to joining Chelsea
• Chelsea’s managerial hunt: Top 10 contenders to replace Pochettino

However, Chelsea chiefs favoured the Italian who has a history of working under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

The former Parma coach will be tasked to continuing the rebuilding process with the preferred youngsters at the club syncing with the vision of the club.

Chelsea finished 12th last season and missed out on Europe in a poor campaign which led to the sacking of Graham Potter.

However, there was a positive shift the following season when Mauricio POchettino despite starting poorly managed to finish in sixth place to return the club to Europe where they will compete in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Enzo Maresca is therefore set to take over to champion a bigger goal to appease the fans who have aired their frustrations severally in the last couple of seasons.