Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the club’s new head coach on a five-year contract.
Maresca takes over the Blues’ first-team following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino on May 21.
The Argentine left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent after just one season with the club. Chelsea wanted to wrap the deal up as soon as possible and a club statement has now confirmed the appointment of Maresca, who has left Leicester City to move to the Blues on a five-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
A statement from the club reads: “Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Enzo Maresca as new head coach of the men’s team. The Italian will begin his new role on 1 July 2024 on a five-year contract, with a club option of a further year.”
Maresca said: “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.”
Maresca’s backroom staff will include Willy Caballero, the former Chelsea goalkeeper, as well as Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javi Molina and Roberto Vitiello. Ben Roberts will be the goalkeeper coach and has also been appointed as the head of global goalkeeping. The club have also confirmed Bernardo Cueva will join to lead the set-piece department.
On Maresca’s appointment, co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said: “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. We thoroughly look forward to working with him.”
The club’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.”
