The Italian leaves Leicester to replace Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea head coach –

Chelsea have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach.

The 44-year-old man who succeeds Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge, moves from Leicester after leading them back into the Premier League by winning the Championship.

Maresca signed a five-year contract – with an option for a further 12 months – at Stamford Bridge and was the No. Chelsea’s 1 from a shortlist that included Brentford’s. Thomas FrankIpswich’s Kieran McKenna and Roberto De Zerbiwho left Brighton at the end of the season.

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A statement from Laurence Stewart and Paul WinstanleyChelsea’s co-sporting directors, said: “We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven to be an excellent trainer capable of delivering impressive results with an interesting and identifiable style.

“Enzo impressed us deeply in our discussions leading up to his appointment. His ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club. We look forward to working with him.”

Maresca said: “Joining Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any manager. That’s why I’m so excited about 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.”

Chelsea are understood to have paid between £8m and £10m to release Maresca from his Leicester contract.

Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javi Molina and Roberto Vitiello join Maresca at Chelsea after also working with him at Leicester.

Chelsea have also confirmed his arrival Bernardo Cueva FROM Brentford as head of their game department.

The process of appointing Maresca was led by Winstanley and Stewart, who held face-to-face talks with the head coach in Marbella last week.

Chelsea are understood to have been impressed by Maresca’s “champion mentality” and the Italian’s deep knowledge of their squad in discussions with his representatives, as well as his focus on how the team wants to play and his desire for the job .

Maresca’s obsession with possession and positional play made him the leading candidate to replace Pochettino, who left by mutual consent just two days after leading Chelsea to sixth in the Premier League.

The length of Maresca’s contract reflects Chelsea’s focus on bringing long-term success back to the club, with senior figures at the club believing he will be the final piece of the puzzle to fit into the modern new structure they have built -a.

Chelsea expect to be busy in the transfer market this summer with players coming and going. The transaction will likely have the signing of a new No. 9 and centre-back, while the futures of high earners such as Romelu Lukaku and Kepa Arrizabalaga must be resolved.

“Chelsea feels Maresca is the one for them”

Sky Sports News Chief Reporter Kaveh Solhekol:

“Chelsea had a very thorough process with Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank and Roberto De Zerbi all considered, but I feel Maresca is the right fit for them.

“The others were very impressive candidates, but Chelsea feel at the moment that Maresca is the man for them and shares their vision for the future.

“He was only a coach for a season and a half. He was manager at Parma in the Italian second division and then he got the job at Leicester.

“There were some problems behind the scenes and not all Leicester fans were completely happy with him, even though he promoted them back to the Premier League.

“There were recruitment issues and issues with Leicester being charged for allegedly breaching the PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Rules). They are also subject to a transfer embargo from the EFL.

“There have been problems, but Chelsea just want a head coach. They want someone to coach the first team and deal with the media. Otherwise, I feel they’ve got it sorted.

“You have to remember that Mikel Arteta had no previous experience of being in charge in the Premier League before joining Arsenal, but he worked under Pep Guardiola, who is exactly the same as Maresca.

“I’m not saying he’s a better manager than Arteta, but he has more experience than he had when he took over at Arsenal.

“Don’t underestimate the Pep effect. If you’ve worked under Guardiola, you have a head start when you go for jobs like this. You still have to impress, though, which Maresca did during these talks.

“I’m told his knowledge of the Chelsea team, including the youth team players, is encyclopedic.”

(c) Sky Sports 2024: Enzo Maresca: Italian leaves Leicester to replace Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea head coach