Chelsea have officially appointed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach.
The 44-year-old Italian steps in from Leicester City, succeeding Mauricio Pochettino, who departed the club by mutual agreement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Maresca has committed to a five-year deal with the possibility of extending for an additional year.
“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,” Maresca told Chelsea’s official website.
“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 has also unveiled Maresca’s coaching staff, featuring former club goalkeeper Willy Caballero and newly appointed set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva.
Leicester City 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. However, with Enzo’s decision made and the Board’s terms for his departure met, we wish him well in his future endeavours.
“He leaves with the appreciation of everyone at the club for his work in helping us to achieve an immediate return to the Premier League during the 2023/24 season.
“The Board will now commence the process of appointing a new manager that will lead our return to the Premier League and continue the implementation of our long-term vision for the success of Leicester City Football Club.”
Maresca, a former West Bromwich Albion midfielder who made his professional debut at The Hawthorns, enjoyed a near 20-year playing career across Italy, Spain, and Greece.
Following his playing days, Maresca led Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad to a Premier League 2 title in the 2020/21 season, then briefly managed Parma before returning to Manchester City in June 2022 as an assistant to Pep Guardiola.
Last ummer, he took charge of Leicester City, guiding them back to the Premier League after their relegation in 2022/23.
Maresca will discover Chelsea’s opening Premier League fixture for the 2024/25 season when the schedule is released at 09:00 BST on Tuesday, 18 June.
He is set to meet his Chelsea players for the first time at the start of pre-season training in early July.
Later that month, Maresca and his squad will travel to the USA for five friendlies, including a match against his former club Manchester City on 3 August.
