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ENZO MARESCA has officially been appointed as Chelsea’s new manager.
The Italian has inked a five-year-deal at Stamford Bridge with the option of a sixth.
Chelsea sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart identified the former Leicester City boss as their first-choice candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino.
And the duo secured the 44-year-old’s services after meeting with him in Marbella and hashing out a compensation package for his coaching staff — on top of the £10 million they are set to pay for the coach.
On joining the Blues, Maresca said: “To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. It is why I am so excited by 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.”
The club’s co-sporting directors, Winstanley and Stewart, said on the appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea.
“He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style.
“Enzo has deeply impressed us in our discussions leading up to his appointment.
“His ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club. We thoroughly look forward to working with him.”
Maresca, who worked under Pep Guardiola at Man City, has brought his own men with him as Pochettino’s team left followed the former Tottenham boss out the Stamford Bridge exit door. It will see former Chelsea goalkeeper, Willy Caballero return to Stamford Bridge.
Also on Maresca’s staff are Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javier Molina Caballero and Roberto Vitiello.
Ben Roberts has joined the club as their head of global goalkeeping, while Bernardo Cueva will lead the set-piece department going forward.
The club’s ownership — Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital — believe Maresca is the ideal fit for their new look Chelsea.
The Blues top brass view the former Juventus midfielder as a head coach who will fit in with and respect their sprawling structure.
Chelsea were keen to be respectful towards Leicester throughout the process given their good relationship with the Foxes.
But a “disappointed” Leicester were unable to resist a parting shot as they sneaked out a statement confirming Maresca’s switch just before Chelsea did.
It stated: “Leicester City Football Club can today confirm the departure of Enzo Maresca from his position as First Team Manager.
“Given the promising foundations established during his single season in charge, the club is disappointed that Enzo has decided at this stage that he no longer wants to be part of our vision.
“However, with Enzo’s decision made and the Board’s terms for his departure met, we wish him well in his future endeavours.
“He leaves with the appreciation of everyone at the club for his work in helping us to achieve an immediate return to the Premier League during the 2023/24 season.
“Staff members Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javier Molina Caballero and Roberto Vitiello will also be leaving the Club.
“The Board will now commence the process of appointing a new manager that will lead our return to the Premier League and continue the implementation of our long-term vision for the success of Leicester City Football Club.”
Winstanley and Stewart worked through a shortlist of candidates last week which also included Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.
But it was Maresca who stood out.
As well as his storming season with Leicester, the ex-West Ham coach worked with both Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia during his time in Manchester City’s academy and first-team coaching staff.
He also worked alongside Joe Shields, Chelsea’s recruitment director, during his time in Manchester.
It is, however, somewhat of a leap of faith for the Blues, who are replacing an established boss with a coach who has one year’s experience of managing in English football. — Sun.
Online Reporter