The 44-year-old Italian coach heads to London after winning the Championship with Leicester.
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Chelsea announced this Monday the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the head coach, succeeding Mauricio Pochettino after a season in which he won the Championship, the second division of English football, with Leicester.
The 44-year-old Italian coach will begin this new phase of his career on July 1, having signed a five-year contract with an option for an additional year, extending until 2030.
“We are thrilled to welcome Enzo to our Chelsea family. We look forward to supporting him and the rest of the sports team in realizing their potential and meeting our expectations in the coming years. He is a highly talented coach and a leader, and we are confident that he can fulfill our vision and competitive goals for the club,” stated the Blues' management in a statement.
“Joining Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. That’s why I’m so excited about this opportunity. I am looking 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,” commented Maresca.
According to market expert Fabrizio Romano, the hiring of the coach, along with six members of his staff, will cost Chelsea over 10 million euros. This significant investment underscores Chelsea’s commitment to restructuring and strengthening their coaching team in preparation for the upcoming seasons.
Maresca began his career as an assistant at Ascoli (Italy) and held similar positions at Sevilla, West Ham, and Manchester City, where he won an under-21 championship in 2021. His time at Manchester City, working under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, has been particularly influential in shaping his coaching philosophy. As a head coach, in addition to Leicester, he also managed Parma, where he gained valuable experience in leading a team.
His successful stint at Leicester, culminating in winning the Championship, has positioned him as a promising talent in the coaching world. At Chelsea, Maresca will be tasked with revitalizing the team and steering them back to domestic and European glory. The club's management is optimistic that his innovative approach and tactical acumen will bring a fresh perspective to the squad.
Maresca's appointment comes at a crucial time for Chelsea, as they aim to rebuild and compete at the highest levels. His proven track record, combined with the backing of the club’s resources, provides a strong foundation for what the Chelsea faithful hope will be a period of sustained success and development.
