Chelsea FC has announced the appointment of Enzo Maresca as head coach according to British media reports late Thursday.
The former Leicester manager and assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has signed a five-year deal with an additional year’s option, signaling a period of stability for the club under the ownership of American investors Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.
Maresca, 44, is credited with Leicester’s swift promotion to the Premier League after their relegation. His tactical approach and football philosophy have reportedly won over the decision-makers at Chelsea.
The search for a new manager began after Mauricio Pochettino’s departure, who had a one-year stint at Stamford Bridge. Candidates such as Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna were considered for the role.
Pochettino’s tenure ended despite a strong finish to the season, with Chelsea securing sixth place in the Premier League and a spot in the Europa Conference League.
However, they fell short of Champions League qualification and silverware, losing narrowly to Liverpool in the League Cup final and to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Despite these setbacks, Pochettino’s final stretch of five consecutive victories hinted at the potential of his vision for the team, ensuring Chelsea’s presence in European competitions in the following season. Chelsea’s leadership is optimistic that Maresca’s appointment will usher in a new era of success.
Source: AFP
