Enzo Maresca has been announced as Chelsea’s new head coach.
The Italian leaves newly-promoted Leicester, in a deal worth around £9million, after delivering the Championship title this term to succeed Mauricio Pochettino, who departed Stamford Bridge by mutual consent after only one season at the club. Maresca will be officially unveiled later this week.
Maresca has signed a five-year deal, with the option of a further season, and brings with him a six-strong backroom staff with him, headed by his assistant and former Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero. Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javier Molina Caballero and Roberto Vitiello complete the support staff and will slot in alongside Chelsea’s existing backroom team members.
Maresca becomes Chelsea’s sixth manager under new owners Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano, including temporary appointments.
In a statement, he 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’s ownership group added: “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.”