Having parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino last month, Chelsea have moved swiftly to agree a deal with Leicester City for Enzo Maresca to become their next manager.
The 44-year-old, who led the Foxes to the Championship title last season has agreed a five year deal to takeover at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian will become Chelsea’s fifth manager under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in just over two years, and will be under huge pressure to return the Blues to the Champions League and win trophies.
For Maresca it’s a huge opportunity so early in his managerial career to test himself at a big club, but for Chelsea it can’t be considered anything other than a huge gamble.
Maresca has just one full year of management experience, and endured a torrid 14 game spell at Italian side Palma, but is highly thought of within the game.
He is a former assistant of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, and certainly has what it takes to become a top manager, but will need time and patience, something which isn’t associated with Chelsea.
Former Blue Joe Cole believes Maresca ticks all the boxes and said everyone he’s spoken to that’s worked with the 44-year-old speaks very highly of him.
Only time will tell if this is a stroke of genius for the club or a complete disaster.
Watch Joe Cole’s thoughts on Maresca
Cole speaks about Maresca at the five minute mark in the video.
