Chelsea appoint Maresca as head coach

Chelsea have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach on a long-term deal. 

The club announced on Monday that the 44-year-old will take over on July 1, signing an initial five-year contract that also includes the option for Chelsea to add a further 12 months.

Maresca replaces Mauricio Pochettino, who departed Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last month after just one season in charge.

The Italian leaves his role as manager of Leicester City to take up the position at Chelsea, just weeks after guiding the Foxes to the Championship title and an instant return to the Premier League.

Maresca will take charge of Chelsea from July 1

Last term Leicester won 31 of their 46 league games as they stormed to the second division title.

He is relatively inexperienced as a first team head coach, but Maresca did guide Manchester City’s development side to the Premier League 2 title during his time with the club, before acting as Pep Guardiola’s assistant during the Citizens’ treble winning season last term.

Maresca worked with current Chelsea star Cole Palmer during his time at The Etihad, and the Italian will bope that the England international can continue to build on a remarkable debut season at Stamford Bridge.