The musical chairs around the open managerial positions worldwide are filling in quickly. Just days after Barcelona and Bayern Munich locked in their new managers, Chelsea also have their candidate on standby. According to soccer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca will be appointed as the Blues head coach in the upcoming days.
Romano took to his social media handle, claiming, “HERE WE GO! Chelsea have agreed terms with Enzo Maresca as the new manager. The agreement is now done and sealed on a contract valid until June 2029. It’s 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 for Maresca. It will also include option to extend until June 2030. Chelsea will now pay a compensation fee in excess of €10m to Leicester City, matter of time to sign soon.”
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The decision to appoint Maresca has taken the internet by storm. Fans have been questioning the management’s move as it was reported that Chelsea wanted someone young and cherishes attacking football. Maresca doesn’t fit both requirements with the Leicester City boss known for his possession-heavy game. However, the Foxes boss had a great run with the team this summer, helping them return to the Premier League in the first attempt.
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Is Enzo Maresca ready for the Chelsea hot seat?
The Leicester City boss is the new breed of managers who have learned under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. While being with the Spaniard doesn’t guarantee success, Maresca has done a good job paving his own path. The Italian was Guardiola’s assistant manager during the treble-winning season before he joined Leicester City following their drop to the Championship.
Maresca coached the Foxes for 53 games bagging 36 wins and 13 defeats. While the manager might have helped the team secure a return to the top flight, his numbers do not inspire confidence. So what is Chelsea thinking? According to reports, the Blues are expected to offer Maresca a $3 million per annum deal, which will be almost thrice what he made at King Power Stadium.
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The Foxes boss was amongst the highest-paid managers in the Championship but is unlikely to get a similar contract at Stamford Bridge. While Maresca’s successor Mauricio Pochettino pocketed a staggering $12.5 million before his departure, Maresca is unlikely to get the same treatment.
What are your thoughts on Chelsea’s decision to sack Mauricio Pochettino and appoint Enzo Maresca? Sound off in the comments below.