According to reports from British media late Thursday, Chelsea has appointed Enzo Maresca from Leicester as their new head coach.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the Italian would be signing a five-year contract with the Blues, along with an option for an additional year, aiming to provide stability to the club after two years of turbulence under the new leadership of US investors Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.
Maresca, previously Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City until last year, successfully guided Leicester back to the Premier League immediately after their relegation a year ago. His tactical approach has reportedly impressed the Chelsea hierarchy.
Chelsea sought a new manager following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, who spent only one season at Stamford Bridge.
READ ALSO: Mauricio Pochettino Leaves Chelsea by ‘Mutual Consent’
Thomas Frank from Brentford and Kieran McKenna, who steered Ipswich to top-flight promotion alongside Leicester, were also rumored contenders for the position.
Pochettino left after a late-season surge saw Chelsea finish sixth in the Premier League, securing qualification for the Europa Conference League but missing out on the Champions League and a trophy.
Despite reaching the League Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Liverpool after extra time, and putting up a strong fight against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals, ending in a similar scoreline defeat, Chelsea’s season showed glimpses of progress under Pochettino, especially in a streak of five consecutive wins that ensured European competition for the upcoming season.
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