Chelsea enter talks with Leicester’s Enzo Maresca as their search for a new manager intensifies

The Blues have intensified their search for the next Chelsea manager and have turned their attention to Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, who led the Foxes to Premier League promotion ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The Italian took over the helm at the King Power Stadium in only July last year, but has overseen a remarkable season. Despite facing some bumps along the way, Leicester were crowned winners of the EFL Championship, finishing with 97 points after 46 games, recording an impressive 31 wins.

How Will Enzo Maresca Fit In as the Next Chelsea Manager?

As per reports, the Blues were also interested in Leicester’s runners-up Ipswich Town’s manager, Kieran McKenna, taking over. However, it has since been revealed that the Irishman would prefer a switch to Manchester United should that role be vacated.

Elsewhere, former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi, as well as Brentford manager Thomas Frank are still in the running and cannot be ruled out at this stage. However, the Blues would have to pay a compensation fee for the latter as he is still contracted to a club.

As per BBC Sport, Leicester will look to seek compensation in the region of £8-10m should Maresca decide to leave for Chelsea. However, any possibility of a deal solely depends on the Blues’ decision of whether they want to make such an investment.

Taking a look at Maresca’s career in football

Enzo Maresca was born in Pontecagnano Faiano in Italy, in 1980 and began his early career with AC Milan in 1991, before moving to Cagliari in 1994. After four years, he made his senior debut playing for West Bromwich Albion, where he spent two years.

Hopping from one club to another since his very early days, Maresca played for 11 teams in his senior professional career, including loans. Mainly a defensive-minded midfielder, Maresca displayed truckloads of energy on the pitch and showed great commitment. Standing at 5’10”, the Italian possessed great agility and pace.

He brought his playing career to an end while playing for Hellas Verona in 2017, making the announcement via his Instagram profile. Soon after that, he joined Ascoli’s coaching staff ahead of the 2017/18 season. In August 2020, Maresca was signed by Manchester City to manage their youth squads.

Maresca had an unsuccessful spell with Parma in 2021, after which followed a nearly two-year break. He then joined Leicester City last year and has done incredibly well in his first season in England as manager.

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