Chelsea appoint Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca as new manager – Reports

Chelsea have appointed Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, according to British media on Thursday evening.

The Daily Telegraph said the Italian will join the Blues on a five-year deal, plus an option for a further year, designed to give the club stability after two years of turmoil under the new regime led by American investors Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly . .

Maresca, who until last year was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at English champions Manchester City, has overseen Leicester’s immediate return to the Premier League following relegation 12 months ago.

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The 44-year-old Italian’s style of football is also said to have impressed Chelsea bosses.

London club Chelsea were looking for a new manager after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino.

He spent just one season in charge at Stamford Bridge, alongside Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna, who led Ipswich to promotion to the top flight behind Leicester, also linked with the vacancy.

Pochettino left after a late surge saw Chelsea finish sixth in the Premier League – qualification for the Europa Conference League – but miss out on Champions League qualification and a trophy.

Chelsea lost the League Cup final 1-0 to Liverpool after extra time and pushed Manchester City all the way before losing in the FA Cup semi-finals by the same scoreline.

But there were signs of former Tottenham boss Pochettino’s side rallying on a five-game winning streak to end the campaign that ensured Chelsea will be involved in European competition next season.