Chelsea Appoint Enzo Maresca As New Manager

 

Chelsea has appointed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, according to reports from British media on Thursday. The Daily Telegraph stated that Maresca, previously with Leicester, will join the Blues on a five-year contract with an option for an additional year. This move aims to provide stability to the club following two tumultuous years under US investors Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.

 

Maresca, who was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City until last year, successfully led Leicester back to the Premier League after their relegation. The 44-year-old Italian has impressed Chelsea’s leadership with his style of football.

 

Chelsea sought a new manager after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino, who spent just one season at Stamford Bridge. Other candidates considered for the role included Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna, who recently promoted Ipswich to the Premier League. 

Pochettino's tenure saw Chelsea finish sixth in the Premier League, securing a spot in the Europa Conference League but missing out on Champions League qualification and any trophies. Chelsea lost the League Cup final to Liverpool and were narrowly defeated by Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals. Despite these setbacks, a late-season surge, including five consecutive wins, suggested that Pochettino's project was beginning to take shape, ensuring Chelsea’s participation in European competition next season.