Chelsea Appoint Enzo Maresca as New Head Coach
Chelsea have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, according to British media reports late Thursday.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the Italian will join the Blues on a five-year contract, with an option for an additional year.
This move aims to provide stability to the club after two years of upheaval under the new regime led by US investors Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.
Maresca, 44, previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and led Leicester City back to the Premier League following their relegation 12 months ago. His style of football has impressed Chelsea’s leadership.
Chelsea were in search of a new manager after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino’s tenure at Stamford Bridge lasted just one season, despite a late surge that saw Chelsea finish sixth in the Premier League, qualifying for the Europa Conference League. However, they missed out on Champions League qualification and a trophy.
Under Pochettino, Chelsea lost the League Cup final 1-0 to Liverpool after extra time and were narrowly defeated by Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Despite these setbacks, there were signs of progress with a run of five consecutive wins at the end of the campaign, ensuring Chelsea’s involvement in European competition next season.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, who led their teams to top-flight promotion, were also linked with the vacancy. However, Chelsea have opted for Maresca, hoping his leadership will bring success to Stamford Bridge.
