Chelsea are close to finalizing the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with negotiations underway to agree on a compensation package. The Italian, aged 44, was selected by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart from a shortlist of four candidates last week. Co-owner Behdad Eghbali has also been involved in the process, playing a key role in the potential appointment.
Chelsea aims to establish an elite structure and are eager to find a coach who is hands-on and tactically proficient to maximize the potential of their talented squad. While discussions were held with other candidates like Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank, and Roberto de Zerbi, there is a general consensus within the club that Maresca is the right choice for the job.
The decision to pursue Maresca was based on a thorough evaluation that included data analysis, interviews, and background checks. It is believed that he will fit well within the club’s structure, and Chelsea were impressed by his understanding of the squad. His experience as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City was also seen as a positive factor, with the club’s board members impressed by Mikel Arteta’s success at Arsenal after leaving City.
As an assistant coach at Manchester City for three seasons under Pep Guardiola’s leadership from 2016-2019, Maresca gained valuable experience in managing high-performing teams while also developing his tactical knowledge. He left Manchester City in July 2019 and has since taken charge of Ajax’s Under-19 team before joining Fiorentina this past summer where he had only one season in charge before resigning due to personal reasons.
Maresca has also mentioned that he wants to focus on developing young players while at Chelsea which aligns with Chelsea’s youth academy strategy. The academy plays a vital role in grooming young players for success at first team level which would be beneficial for both Chelsea fans and English football as whole.
What are your thoughts on Enzo Maresca being appointed as Chelsea manager? Would you like him leading your favorite team?
