Chelsea Football Club has reached a significant agreement in their quest for a new head coach, securing Leicester’s manager, Enzo Maresca, for the role.
Maresca has inked a substantial five-year contract with the London-based team, with the possibility of extending for an additional season. The deal, confirmed by renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, entails Chelsea activating the compensation clause in Maresca’s Leicester contract, estimated to be around €10 million, alongside finalizing personal terms.
Following a thorough end-of-season evaluation that led to Mauricio Pochettino’s departure, Chelsea identified Maresca as their top candidate, impressed by his tenure at the helm of Leicester City.
At 44 years old, Maresca brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. His stint at Leicester, where he orchestrated their triumphant return to the Premier League after a surprising relegation, earned him widespread acclaim for his attractive and possession-oriented style of play.
Amidst deliberations that included considering other candidates like Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town and Thomas Frank from Brentford, Chelsea’s preference for a manager well-versed in English football ultimately led them to Maresca.
The length of Maresca’s contract signals Chelsea’s strategic planning for the long haul, contrasting with Pochettino’s relatively short two-year tenure starting in 2023. Maresca’s appointment marks the fourth permanent manager at Stamford Bridge since the ownership transition to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, following in the footsteps of Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Pochettino.
