Chelsea are set to sign Maresca from Leicester

Chelsea FC have received official permission from Leicester City to engage in talks with Enzo Maresca regarding the position of head coach. The move follows Chelsea’s official approach to Leicester on Monday, identifying Maresca as the leading candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge. The 44-year-old Italian coach is expected to agree a contract deal of at least five years.

Maresca’s Quick Lift

Enzo Maresca’s rapid rise in football management is noteworthy. After joining Leicester at the start of the 2023-24 season, he impressively led them back into the Premier League as Championship title winners. His success at Leicester no doubt caught the eye of Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, who actively sought Pochettino’s replacement.

Maresca’s coaching pedigree includes a spell as Pep Guardiola’s assistant during Manchester City’s treble-winning season in 2022-23. In addition, he gained valuable experience working with Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham United and managing Parma in Italy’s Serie B. This varied background is likely a key factor in Chelsea’s decision to pursue him.

🚨 Leicester City give Chelsea formal permission to talk to Enzo Maresca for head coach vacancy. The 44-year-old is expected to agree to a minimum 5-year contract. #LCFC will receive compensation from #CFC + scheduling is expected to be completed this week @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/rctT4UBjgY

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 27, 2024

Chelsea’s managerial carousel

Since taking over from Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022, Chelsea have seen a significant change in their managerial position. Thomas Tuchel was sacked in September 2022, followed by Graham Potter in April 2023. Interim managers Bruno Saltor and Frank Lampard filled the role temporarily before Pochettino’s appointment last July. Despite guiding Chelsea to sixth in the Premier League and securing a place in the Europa Conference League, Pochettino’s tenure ended last week following a performance review.

The process of finding Pochettino’s successor has been thorough. As well as Maresca, Chelsea are also considering Kieran McKenna, who led Ipswich Town to promotion behind Leicester, and Thomas Frank, known for his commendable work at Brentford. However, Maresca’s track record of success and his association with top managers such as Guardiola made him the preferred choice.

Strategic implications

Maresca’s potential appointment signals Chelsea’s strategic intent to promote long-term stability and success. His experience under Guardiola could bring a tactical evolution to Chelsea’s style of play, aligning with the club’s ambitions. Leicester, on the other hand, are set to receive compensation for Maresca’s departure, which is expected to be completed this week.

As reported by David Ornstein in The Athletic, “Leicester City have given Chelsea formal permission to speak to Enzo Maresca about becoming their next head coach.” If negotiations go as expected, Maresca will become the sixth manager under current Chelsea ownership, marking a new chapter in the club’s quest for excellence.