Chelsea appoint Leicester manager Enzo Maresca as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement

Chelsea have appointed Leicester manager Enzo Maresca as their new boss on a five-year contract with the option of an extra year.

He replaces Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge, who guided the Blues to sixth place in the Premier League last season.

Maresca took charge of the Foxes in June 2023 and led them to the Championship title last term.

The 44-year-old is Chelsea’s fourth permanent managerial appointment since American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital bought the club in May 2022.

Italian Maresca will begin his new role on July 1.

Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, 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.’

Chelsea’s ownership group said: ‘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 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.”