London,
Monday, 3 June, 2024
McCreadie Andias
Chelsea have announced the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new head coach.
The 44-year-old Italian arrives from Leicester City to replace Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea by mutual consent at the end of this season.
Maresca has signed a five-year contract, with the option of an additional year.
“To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach”.
“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”.The Italian said.
Maresca spent the 2020/21 season in charge of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, where he steered them to the Premier League 2 title, he had a spell in charge of Parma before returning to Man City in June 2022 as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants.
He took the helm at Leicester last summer and oversaw promotion at the first attempt, leading the Foxes back to the Premier League after their relegation in 2022/23.
Chelsea ownership group have expressed confident on Enzo Maresca: “We look forward to supporting him and the rest of the sporting team in fulfilling their potential and our expectations over the years to come”.
“He is a highly gifted coach and leader that we are confident can help fulfill our vision and competitive goals for the Club”.The club said.
He will then meet his Chelsea players for the first time when they return for pre-season training in early July.
He and his squad will travel to the USA later that month for five friendlies, including a match where Maresca will face his former club Man City on 3 August.