Chelsea football club have named Leicester manager, Enzo Maresca as their new boss on a five-year contract with the option of an extra year.
The 44-year-old joins the Premier League side from newly promoted Leicester City. Maresca was in charge of Leicester for one season during which he helped them return to the top flight.
In a statement posted on the club’s website, 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.”
Maresca said, speaking to the club website, “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.”
The Italian replaces Mauricio Pochettino, who left by mutual consent on 21 May after just one season at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca took charge of the Foxes in June 2023 and led them to the Championship title last term.
In a statement, confirming Enzo Maresca’s departure, Leicester City said: “Given the promising foundations established during his single season in charge, the Club is disappointed that Enzo has decided at this stage that he no longer wants to be part of our vision.
“However, with Enzo’s decision made and the Board’s terms for his departure met, we wish him well in his future endeavours. He leaves with the appreciation of everyone at the Club for his work in helping us to achieve an immediate return to the Premier League during the 2023/24 season.”
Maresca is Chelsea’s sixth managerial appointment in five years and the fourth since American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital bought the club in May 2022.
Chelsea endured a mixed 2023-24 but rallied in the final weeks, winning their final five games to end the campaign in sixth and qualify for the Europa Conference League.
The Blues also finished runners-up in the Carabao Cup and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Several candidates were on a shortlist following Pochettino’s departure, with former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and Brentford’s Thomas Frank all reported to have been in the mix.
