According to late Thursday reports from British media, Chelsea has appointed Enzo Maresca of Leicester as their new head coach.
The Daily Telegraph reports that the Italian is set to join the Blues on a five-year deal, with an additional year’s option, aiming to provide stability after two years of changes under the leadership of US investors Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.
Maresca, formerly Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, managed Leicester’s prompt return to the Premier League after their relegation a year prior.
The 44-year-old’s football philosophy reportedly made a strong impression on the Chelsea hierarchy.
Chelsea, after separating from Mauricio Pochettino, was in search of a new manager.
Pochettino’s tenure at Stamford Bridge lasted only one season, with Thomas Frank of Brentford and Kieran McKenna of Ipswich, who secured promotion to the premier division following Leicester, also considered for the role.
Pochettino departed following a season finale that saw Chelsea secure sixth place in the Premier League, qualifying for the Europa Conference League but failing to clinch Champions League qualification or a trophy.
Chelsea was defeated 1-0 by Liverpool in the League Cup final after extra time and was narrowly beaten by Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.
However, the end of the season showed promise under Pochettino, with five straight wins ensuring Chelsea’s participation in European competitions the following season.
