Enzo Maresca Named Chelsea's New Head Coach, Succeeding Pochettino

Chelsea have announced the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the club's new head coach. The former Leicester City boss has signed a five-year contract, with an option for the club to extend his stay for another year. Maresca replaces Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea by mutual consent last month after just one season in charge.

Maresca led Leicester's promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt in the 2023-24 season. The Foxes topped the Championship table with 98 points. Chelsea's co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley expressed their enthusiasm about Maresca's 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," said Stewart and Winstanley. "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."

Former midfielder Maresca, a two-time UEFA Cup winner with Sevilla, began his coaching career on the staff at Ascoli in Serie B in 2017. He joined Manchester City in August 2020 as manager of their Elite Development Side, guiding them to the Premier League 2 title in his first season.

After a six-month stint in charge of Parma, Maresca returned to City in June 2022 as an assistant to Pep Guardiola. He then replaced Dean Smith at Leicester 12 months later, guiding them back into the top flight. The 44-year-old becomes the eighth different Italian to manage Chelsea.

European Football Awaits

Maresca will experience his first taste of European football as a coach next season. Although Chelsea initially qualified for the Europa League by finishing sixth in the Premier League, they dropped into the Europa Conference League following Manchester United's FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Welcome to Chelsea, Enzo Maresca! #WelcomeEnzo pic.twitter.com/ZKfuXKQdGD

Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 3, 2024