By Sean Walsh
Chelsea have announced Enzo Maresca as their new head coach on a five-year contract with the option for a further 12 months.
The Italian departs Leicester City after only one season at the King Power Stadium, leading the Foxes to promotion back to the Premier League as Championship winners.
Prior to that, he spent half a year in charge of Italian side Parma, winning only four games out of 14 before being sacked. Earlier in his career, Maresca spent time as manager of Manchester City's Elite Development Squad and on Pep Guardiola's coaching staff.
Maresca told Chelsea club channels: "‘To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. It is why I am so excited by this opportunity.
"I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club’s tradition of success and makes our fans proud."
In a statement, Chelsea's co-sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, said: "We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style.
"Enzo has deeply impressed us in our discussions leading up to his appointment. His ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club. We thoroughly look forward to working with him.
Reports in recent days have claimed Chelsea were impressed by Maresca's work alongside Guardiola and are hopeful he can have a similar impact as a manager as Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, who also served as an assistant at City.
Maresca has joined the Blues as successor to Mauricio Pochettino, who surprisingly left the club following an up-and-down 2023/24 season.
Pochettino signed an initial two-year contract at Stamford Bridge last summer but his position was subject to a two-way appraisal at the end of his first campaign, and the two parties decided it would be best to part ways.
Unlike Pochettino, Chelsea have committed to Maresca with a long-term contract and are hopeful he will lead the first team for years to come. Under the ownership of Todd Boehly and BlueCo, Chelsea have already cycled through three permanent managers and two caretakers.
Maresca's Chelsea will return to Europe next season after qualifying for the Conference League, with Pochettino's Blues recording a sixth-place Premier League finish.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Chelsea appoint Enzo Maresca as new head coach.
