Chelsea have announced the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new head coach.
The 44-year-old Italian arrives from Leicester City to replace Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea by mutual consent at the end of this season.
Maresca has signed a five-year contract, with the option of an additional year.
“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,” Maresca told Chelsea’s official website.
“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.”
Chelsea have also confirmed Maresca’s coaching staff which includes the club’s former goalkeeper, Willy Caballero, as well as the appointment of a set-piece coach in Bernardo Cueva.
Leicester City said in a statement: “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.
“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.”
Maresca’s path to Chelsea
A former West Bromwich Albion midfielder whose professional breakthrough came at The Hawthorns, Maresca also played for clubs in Italy, Spain and Greece during a near 20-year career.
After spending the 2020/21 season in charge of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, whom he steered to the Premier League 2 title, he had a spell in charge of Parma before returning to Man City in June 2022 as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants.
He took the helm at Leicester last summer and oversaw promotion at the first attempt, leading the Foxes back to the Premier League after their relegation in 2022/23.
Maresca will find out his opening Premier League match with Chelsea when the 2024/25 fixtures are released at 09:00 BST on Tuesday 18 June.
He will then meet his Chelsea players for the first time when they return for pre-season training in early July.
He and his squad will travel to the USA later that month for five friendlies, including a match where Maresca will face his former club Man City on 3 August.
