Enzo Maresca has vowed to achieve good luck and “make the fans proud” after all, proving himself as Chelsea manager.
Maresca, 44, has signed a five-year contract and the club have an option for a further year, underlining the confidence they have in the former Leicester manager. Leicester preempted Chelsea’s announcement by issuing a club statement just in front of their Premier League rivals expressing their “disappointment”.
Leicester said in a statement: “Given the promising foundations laid in his only season at the helm, the Club is disappointed that Enzo has this level and no longer needs to be part of our vision. “
Former Juventus midfielder Maresca, 44, said it was a “dream” to take over, but he is expected to serve temporarily in terms of titles and return to the Champions League.
Chelsea have agreed an £8m payment with Leicester to sign Maresca, who has been manager for 18 months after also applying for Manchester City’s academy.
Maresca said: “Joining Chelsea, one of the clubs in the world, is a dream for any manager. 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. “
Chelsea issued a joint from Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, who said: “We are very pleased to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven to be a perfect trainer, capable of generating impressive effects with an exciting and relatable emotion. style.
“Enzo made 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 running with him.
“Maresca beat Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank at Chelsea and is considered Pep Guardiola’s style coach. Chelsea also sought out Maresca for his ability to paint and develop young players, adding Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia, and this was noted as key to his appointment.
Chelsea are hoping for a summer full of pros and cons, but Maresca will work within the club’s design and will also have a say in transfers.
Mauricio Pochettino left last month after bringing Chelsea back to Europe and is now on Manchester United’s shortlist if they upgrade Erik ten Hag while they conduct a club review on his future.
“Leicester now has a new coach and Maresca’s coaching staff accompanies him and is made up of Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Álvarez, Javi Molina and Roberto Vitiello.
Ben Roberts will join the team as goalkeeping coach while Bernardo Cueva will be in charge of the set piece department.
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