Chelsea appoint Enzo Maresca as new head coach - ESPN

Chelsea have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, the club have announced.

Maresca joins Chelsea having led Leicester City to promotion to the Premier League as winners of the Championship in his first, and only, season in charge.

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«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 said in a statement.

«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.»

Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea's sporting directors, said of the appointment: «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."

The 44-year-old is a former assistant manager to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and succeeds former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino who left the club by mutual consent on May 21.

Sources have told ESPN that although Pochettino had a year remaining on his contract, the decision to part ways was amicable following a season in which Chelsea finished sixth and reached the Carabao Cup final.

Maresca had a short spell as head coach of Italian club Parma in Serie B during the 2021-22 season and previously guided City's reserve team to the Premier League 2 title.

In his playing career, he won Serie A with Juventus in 2002 as well as two UEFA Cups and a Copa del Rey