Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea delay explained as fresh talks begin ahead of manager appointment

Chelsea are still in talks with Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca and have yet to reach an agreement. football.london understand. The Italian is yet to seal a deal to become the next head coach as the Blues look for a quick fix.

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley flew to Spain to meet Maresca face-to-face after identifying the 44-year-old as the leading candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino. He left the club by mutual consent last week after leading Chelsea to sixth place in his first season.

After days of discussion on who to pursue as the next boss, Maresca became the clear favourite. Having managed just one full season at senior level – he lasted just 14 games at Parma in his other deal – there is excitement that he can bring success to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are hoping to commit Maresca to a five-year deal, with a deal expected to be completed by the end of the week. This will allow the recruiting team and Maresca enough time to prepare for the new season.

Although no agreement has been reached, there are not believed to be any problems. Chelsea are expected to pay Leicester a compensation package for signing Maresca while he is under contract at the club.

The first contact was made with Maresca, showing his interest in the role. Chelsea were then given permission by Leicester to speak to Maresca before Winstanley and Stewart continued in their attempts to land a third permanent manager in the last 15 months under their control.

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Chelsea are also considering Brentford manager Thomas Frank, former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna. Maresca’s impressive year with the Foxes saw him stand out, though he earned promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Maresca previously spent time as assistant manager to Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham and enjoyed time in Spain with Sevilla. He was influential as Pep Guardiola’s number two during Manchester City’s 2022/23 campaign before leaving to join the Foxes.