Leicester City appoint Enzo Maresca as manager

Leicester City have confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new manager.

Maresca leaves his role as Manchester City coach to sign a contract with the Foxes until the summer of 2026.

The Italian replaces Dean Smith, who was appointed on a short-term deal in April, but he was unable to keep Leicester in the Premier League.

Maresca, who is tasked with leading Leicester back to the top flight, told the club's official website: "I'm very excited because of the club [I'm joining] and because we have a big season ahead of us.

"At the beginning, the target is to play in the best way we can. From there, we can build, day by day, our idea and our philosophy, and the most important thing is to try to win games.

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"First of all, we're going to give 100 per cent, absolutely, because the club deserves this. It's our job, our duty to do that. Then, as I said, day by day, step by step, absolutely we're going to improve."

Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: "Enzo brings a combination of personality, method and ambition that meets extremely well with the footballing direction we are looking to take.

"His philosophy has been built over a rich and varied career, including an outstanding education as a coach, and fits with the vision we have for this next chapter in Leicester City's history.

"Enzo's profile has stood out to us for some time - a feeling that was only enhanced upon meeting him and listening to his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.

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"I have no doubt he will be warmly welcomed by our supporters and that together we can reset the Club's course towards future success."

The 43-year-old worked as an assistant at Ascoli, Sevilla, and West Ham United before managing Man City's development side.

Maresca left the Citizens to take up his only previous managerial role with Palermo, but his time with the Italian club lasted just 14 matches.

The former West Bromwich Albion player returned to the Etihad Stadium last summer, and he was part of Pep Guardiola's coaching staff as Man City went on to claim a treble.