Enzo Maresca appointed Chelsea coach to become 6th manager since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium bought the club

Enzo Maresca, the Leicester City boss, has been given a five-year deal by Chelsea to take over from the departed Mauricio Pochettino.

The 44-year-old Italian, who joined the Foxes on June 2023 and led them to the Championship title last season on Monday, was announced by the Blues to oversee the club’s affairs.

According to Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, “We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea.”

“He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style.

“Enzo has deeply impressed us in our discussions leading up to his appointment. His ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club.”

Maresca will begin his new role on July 1 on a five-year contract, with a club option of a further year.

“To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach,” he said. “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.”

Pochettino left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last month after another turbulent season in which the club spent much of the campaign in mid-table.

The Informant247 reports that Mauricio Pochettino parted ways with Chelsea in a mutual consent last month, one year after the Argentine took over at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the manager stepped aside after failing to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge, which saw him having a turbulent season in which the club spent much of the campaign in mid-table.

“BREAKING: Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea part ways with immediate effect.

“Chelsea and Pochettino have already agreed on terms, as Matt Law reports.

Chelsea have failed to rise to the occasion this season despite world-class reinforcements.

The Blues will return to Europe next season but not to the Champions League. And they will do so without Pochettino, who decided to step down after the end of the season.

The side recovered to win their final five games of the season and earn a place in the Europa Conference League.

They also reached the final of the League Cup and the FA Cup semi-finals.

Maresca will be the sixth coach to have managed the first team since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium bought the club two years ago.

Chelsea have spent more than £1 billion ($1.3 billion) on signings since Clearlake took over ownership from Roman Abramovich in May 2022.