Chelsea have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach after agreeing a massive payment with Leicester City.
Les Bleus were their next manager after the departure of Mauricio Pochettino at the end of last season. The Argentine joined the club in May 2023 and guided Chelsea to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League in his first and only season in charge. assuring us of a return to European football.
Despite a six-place improvement, a mammoth run of 19 points and seven more top-flight wins last season, Pochettino left Les Bleus by mutual agreement after his victory on the final day over Bournemouth. That left Todd Boehly and the Chelsea board for a while. other permanent appointment.
And after Kieran McKenna, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank were chosen for the job, Chelsea have selected Maresca as their main target and have now shown the arrival of the Italian on a five-year contract. The Blues reached the agreement after agreeing to pay the Foxes. It is estimated to be around £8 million.
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven to be a master capable of producing impressive effects with an exciting and relatable style.
“Enzo left a deep impression on us in our conversations prior to his appointment. His ambitions and work ethic fit with those of the club. We look forward to racing with him. “
Maresca himself said: “Joining Chelsea, one of the clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. That’s why I’m so excited about this opportunity.
“I look forward to running with a very talented player organization and expanding a team that continues the club’s culture of good fortune and makes our enthusiasts proud. “
The 44-year-old, who was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City in the 2022/23 season, guided Leicester to the league title last season after racking up 97 editions in 46 games.
A Leicester player said: “Given the promising foundations laid in his only season at the helm, the Club are disappointed that Enzo has made the decision at this level that he no longer needs to be part of our vision.
“However, once Enzo’s decision has been made and the conditions to leave the board of directors have been met, we wish him the best in his long-term projects. He leaves with the thanks of everyone at the club for his work, which has helped us to quickly return to the Premier League during the 2023/24 season. “
The six who will sign up for Maresca at Stamford Bridge will be Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Álvarez, Javier Molina Caballero and Roberto Vitiello.
The new head coach will officially take over at the beginning of July, while most of Chelsea’s squad until then is busy with foreign tournaments.
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