Enzo Maresca has promised to deliver success and “make the fans proud” after finally being confirmed as Chelsea boss.
Maresca, 44, has signed a five year contract and the club has an option of a further year which underlines just how much faith they are putting in the ex- Leicester boss. Leicester pre-empted Chelsea’s announcement by putting out a club statement just before their Premier League rivals as they voiced their “disappointment.”
Leicester said in a statement: “Given the promising foundations established during his single season in charge, the Club is disappointed that Enzo has decided at this stage that he no longer wants to be part of our vision.”
Former Juventus midfielder Maresca, 44, said it was a “dream” to take over but the reality is that he will be expected to deliver quickly in terms of silverware and getting back into the Champions League.
Chelsea agreed an £8m package with Leicester to snap up Maresca who has only been a manager for 18 months having previously also worked for Manchester City ’s academy.
Maresca said: “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.”
Chelsea put out a joint statement from Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, who said: ‘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.
“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.”
Maresca beat the likes of Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank to the Chelsea job and is regarded as someone from the Pep Guardiola coaching model. Chelsea also wanted Maresca because of his ability to work and develop young players, including Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia and that was seen as key to his appointment.
Chelsea do expect another busy summer of ins and outs but Maresca will work within the club structure while having a say on transfers.
Mauricio Pochettino left last month after leading Chelsea back into Europe and is now on Manchester United ’s potential shortlist if they replace Erik ten Hag as they carry out a club review on his future.
Leicester are now looking for a new boss while Maresca’s coaching team come with him and include Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javi Molina and Roberto Vitiello.
Ben Roberts will join the staff as goalkeeper coach while Bernardo Cueva will lead the set-piece department.
