Enzo Maresca, the 44-year-old head coach of Leicester City, is on the verge of becoming Chelsea’s new boss. The Chelsea ownership group, led by Todd Boehly, has identified Maresca as the ideal replacement for Mauricio Pochettino. Leicester City has granted permission for Chelsea’s Sporting Directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, to hold face-to-face talks with Maresca in Marbella. This suggests that Chelsea has triggered the £9 million release clause in Maresca’s contract.
Maresca’s appointment would mark a meteoric rise for the Italian coach, who has surpassed other candidates such as Roberto De Zerbi, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank, and Thomas Tuchel to become Chelsea’s top target. After a short stint at Parma in 2021, Maresca returned to Manchester City, where he had previously managed their elite development squad, to become Pep Guardiola’s assistant coach in 2022. Following City’s historic treble-winning season, he joined newly-relegated Leicester City.
Maresca’s patient and possession-based style of football, akin to Guardiola’s blueprint, earned him praise but also criticism from Leicester fans who preferred a more direct approach. Despite some challenges, Maresca successfully led Leicester back to the Premier League and secured the Championship trophy. His attention to detail and tactical acumen have attracted Chelsea’s attention.
Leicester City’s former midfielder Harry Winks, who played under Maresca, described him as the best head coach he had ever worked with. This endorsement is noteworthy considering Winks’ experience with renowned managers such as Pochettino, Antonio Conte, and Jose Mourinho.
Maresca’s knowledge of Chelsea’s youthful squad and his determination to implement his brand of football have impressed the Chelsea hierarchy. While some managers may view the Chelsea job as a challenging task, Maresca is eager to work with the club’s talented young players and convince them of his methods. It is believed that Maresca’s decision to leave Leicester was influenced by financial difficulties and an expected points deduction that was not disclosed to him by the club.
However, Maresca’s lack of experience managing in the Premier League may pose a challenge in winning over Chelsea fans. Despite this, he has already gained the trust and support of the Chelsea board. If appointed, Maresca will need to quickly prove himself and adapt to the demands of managing a top-flight club. Nevertheless, Chelsea’s confidence in his abilities suggests they believe he has what it takes to bring success to Stamford Bridge.