Chelsea have announced the signing of Enzo Maresca as the new manager. The Blues’ club statement confirming the appointment of the Italian tactician reads;
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the new head coach of the men’s team.
The statement adds Maresca will resume duties as Chelsea on July 1, 2024, having signed a five-year contract with the club.
“The Italian will begin his new role on 1 July 2024 on a five-year contract, with a club option of a further year.”
Maresca will replace Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea’s new manager after the latter was sacked despite a late strong showing in the just-concluded 2023-24 Premier League campaign.
Following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, Maresca led the list of the Blues’ shortlisted candidates to replace the Argentine. With his knack for developing players and a triumphant first season with Leicester City, the 44-year-old emerged as a favorite take over the dugout at Stamford Bridge alongside the club’s former manager Thomas Tuchel and former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Maresca’s move to Chelsea represents a big leap his managerial career. He began his journey in football management with Manchester City Reserve team before landing his first first-team role with Parma in the Italian second division in 2020.
He was sacked at Parma after he failed to lead the club to the Serie A. After his Parma sack, Maresca returned to Etihad, where he joined Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff as assistant manager.
He got the Leicester City job in 2022 while still at Etihad and shone bright in the Foxes’ dugout on his debut season. He led the club to the Championship title to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Maresca caught the Blues’ attention following his impressive managerial run with Leicester City. He will be hoping to replicate the same as he takes up the challenge with the London outfit.
