ENZO Maresca has joined Chelsea as their new manager after leaving Leicester City, the club of Super Eagles stars Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Chelsea confirmed Maresca’s appointment today, less than one month after he led Leicester City to gain promotion to the English Premier League from the Championship.
“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Enzo Maresca as new head coach of the men’s team,” the London club stated on their official website today.
“The Italian will begin his new role on 1 July 2024 on a five-year contract, with a club option of a further year.”
The 44-year-old Italian penned a five-year contract with an option for an additional year, and Leicester City will reportedly receive compensation of £10m for Maresca and his assistants, who are following him to Chelsea.
Maresca has previously worked on the coaching staff of Ascoli, Sevilla and West Ham United, and he took charge of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad in August 2020, guiding them to the 2021 Premier League 2 title.
After a stint with Parma and another as assistant coach at Manchester City, Maresca was appointed head coach at Leicester City in June 2023.
“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 said.
“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’s ownership group hailed Maresca’s appointment, stating: “We are thrilled to welcome Enzo into the Chelsea family. We look forward to supporting him and the rest of the sporting team in fulfilling their potential and our expectations over the years to come.
“He is a highly gifted coach and leader that we are confident can help fulfill our vision and competitive goals for the Club.”
Maresca’s staff will include former Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javi Molina and Roberto Vitiello, Ben Roberts and Bernardo Cueva, who will lead the set-piece department.
