Joe Cole has shared what he’s been told about Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca, who’s widely expected to be announced as Chelsea’s new head coach.
The Telegraph claimed on Thursday night that Chelsea have appointed Enzo Maresca on a five-year contract. There’s still been no official word from the club, though.
If Maresca arrives at Stamford Bridge as expected, it’ll signal quite a drastic change in approach for the Blues.
Mauricio Pochettino arrived in west London as an experienced manager with an impressive and long CV. However, all parties agreed to part ways this summer after just one year together.
In contrast, Maresca is still in the very infancy of his senior management. He’s only coached 67 matches as a first-team manager (53 Leicester and 14 Parma). In fairness, he did guide Leicester to promotion as Championship winners last season, playing a clear possession-based style as part of that success.
Joe Cole verdict on Enzo Maresca
Joe Cole, the former Blues star, has actually been quite optimistic when it comes to incoming Chelsea boss Maresca.
Apparently, he’s heard good things about the 44-year-old Italian coach from people within football.
“From everything I hear about Enzo, he ticks every box,” Cole told talkSPORT.
“Everyone I speak to who’s worked with him says how good he is. That’s always a good sign.
“… The process is a young, hungry, vibrant manager to work with these young players. We go again.”
Chelsea players get ready for new style
The Blues squad of players need to be ready and excited to throw themselves into a different style under Maresca next season.
From his year at the King Power Stadium, Maresca proved he won’t abandon his method and possession-based style at any point.
It means Chelsea’s backline, including the goalkeeper, needs to get used to having the ball at their feet and playing lots of short passes. Meanwhile, The Chelsea Chronicle expects the club’s technical midfielders to come to the fore and thrive at Stamford Bridge.
A quote from Maresca during last season should serve as a clear message to everyone.
Maresca said in January via Leicester Mercury: “I arrive in this club to play with this idea. The moment there is some doubt about the idea, the day after, I will leave. It’s so clear. No doubts.”