Enzo Maresca, the manager of Leicester, has been named by Chelsea as their new manager. He will serve a five-year term with an additional year option.
After just one season at Stamford Bridge, Mauricio Pochettino left by mutual consent on May 21. The Italian takes his place.
Maresca, 44, became the Foxes’ manager in June 2023 and guided them to the Championship title the previous season.
He expressed his eagerness:
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.
“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.”
Maresca is Chelsea’s sixth manager in five years and its fourth since the club was acquired by American businessman Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital in May 2022. He will take up his new position on July 1.
Chelsea had a mixed 2023-24 season but finished strong with five consecutive wins, securing sixth place and a spot in the Europa Conference League. They were also runners-up in the Carabao Cup and reached the FA Cup semi-finals.
After Pochettino left, potential replacements included Roberto de Zerbi, Kieran McKenna, and Thomas Frank. Co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart praised Maresca, saying he impressed them with his ambitions and work ethic.
Chelsea players not on international duty will return for pre-season under Maresca on July 4, ahead of their U.S. tour. Maresca’s Leicester coaching team, including ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero, will join him at Stamford Bridge.
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