Ornstein reveals when Chelsea will appoint Maresca

Tom Weber

Updated: 27 May 2024 21:23 BST
3 min read

Chelsea are expected to finalise the appointment of Enzo Maresca as early as this week, according to David Ornstein.

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The Leicester City boss is on his way to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have identified Maresca as their ideal man to succeed Mauricio Pochettino after the Argentine departed the club by mutual consent upon the conclusion of the season.

Pochettino led the Blues into the Conference League after an impressive late-season surge but left the club due to differences over philosophy and how much power and influence he should have. Chelsea wanted a young, progressive coach and have found one in the shape of Pep Guardiola's protégé Maresca.

The former Man City assistant led Leicester to the Championship title and his side were nigh on unstoppable in the early parts of the season, storming into a comfortable lead before almost relinquishing their grip on the trophy with an unimpressive final few games.

Maresca to join this week

According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Leicester have now given Chelsea formal approval to negotiate with Maresca after the coach had expressed his desire to head to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will have to pay the Foxes up to €10 million in compensation and are making good progress in the talks. Ornstein states that the Italian is expected to be appointed later this week.

Intriguingly, and contrary to other reports, it is asserted that the 44-year-old will sign a long-term contract believed to run a minimum of five years, a quite significant difference from the two to three seasons initially declared.

Maresca's Leicester coaching staff is expected to join him at Chelsea. The Italian will become Chelsea's sixth head coach and fourth permanent one since Todd Boehly and Clearlake took over the club in 2022.