Chelsea have appointed Leicester’s Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, according to British media reports late Thursday.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the Italian will join the Blues on a five-year contract, with an option for an additional year, aimed at providing stability after two years of upheaval under the new regime led by US investors Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.
Maresca, who previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, guided Leicester to immediately return to the Premier League after their relegation 12 months ago. The 44-year-old Italian’s football style has reportedly impressed Chelsea’s leadership.
Chelsea were in search of a new manager after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino.
Enzo Maresca spent just one season in charge at Stamford Bridge, with Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna, who led Ipswich to top-flight promotion behind Leicester, also linked with the vacancy.
Pochettino left after a late surge resulted in Chelsea finishing sixth in the Premier League, qualifying for the Europa Conference League but missing out on Champions League qualification and a trophy.
Chelsea lost the League Cup final 1-0 to Liverpool after extra time and pushed Manchester City all the way before losing in the FA Cup semi-finals by the same score.
However, there were signs that Pochettino’s project was coming together during a run of five consecutive wins to end the campaign, ensuring Chelsea’s involvement in European competition next season.
