Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca as their new head coach.
The Blues have been searching for a new lead man for the dugout ever since they mutually decided to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino a little under two weeks ago.
However, within seven days, it became apparent that Maresca was their preferred choice, with the club's recruitment team travelling to Marbella to hold discussions with the Italian.
As a result of those talks going smoothly, it became a matter of when - not if - the 44-year-old would be confirmed as the new head coach of the West Londoners.
On Monday afternoon, Chelsea announced that Maresca had officially agreed to take over as head coach on a contract until 2029, with the option of a further year, on July 1.
Welcome to Chelsea, Enzo Maresca! 👊#WelcomeEnzo pic.twitter.com/ZKfuXKQdGD
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 3, 2024
What have Maresca, Chelsea's hierarchy had to say?
Maresca told the club's official website: "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.
"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."
Meanwhile, Chelsea's ownership group added: "We are thrilled to welcome Enzo into the Chelsea family. We look forward to supporting him and the rest of the sporting team in fulfilling their potential and our expectations over the years to come.
"He is a highly gifted coach and leader that we are confident can help fulfil our vision and competitive goals for the club."
Co sporting-directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley added that Maresca had "deeply impressed" during talks, adding that "his ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club."
© Reuters
Why have Chelsea appointed Maresca?
Since Pochettino's departure, it was been widely reported that Chelsea's hierarchy have been eager to appoint a head coach who will deploy a possession-based strategy.
In his one and only season with Leicester, Maresca won the Championship with a team that had an average of over 62% possession and made over 28,000 passes.
Spending time working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City prior to his move to the East Midlands has also worked in his favour, with his lack of senior experience not a factor in the selection process.
Todd Boehly and Clearlake were also keen to appoint someone who shared the same vision and would be prepared to hand over the majority of control over incomings and outgoings to Stewart and Winstanley.
Maresca leaves Leicester having recorded 36 victories and 13 defeats from his 53 matches in all competitions.
Darren Plant
