Why Chelsea hired Enzo Maresca

Tom Weber

Updated: 3 Jun 2024 16:50 BST
3 min read

Enzo Maresca has been appointed as Chelsea's new head coach, joining the club on a five-year deal with the option to extend the working relationship by a further season.

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Mauricio Pochettino's departure after the conclusion of the 2023/24 season came as something of a surprise, but Chelsea moved fast to replace the Argentine, with Maresca quickly emerging as the leading candidate.

The former Leicester City boss has now been officially announced as the Blues' new head coach heading into 24/25. The 44-year-old was keen on the job, believing that the west London giants have an eminently talented, high-potential squad.

The tactician is keen to mould the side in his image and implement a more coherent, modern tactical system than Pochettino managed during his year in charge. The Italian is a disciple of Pep Guardiola and there will be shades of Man City about Chelsea next season.

Maresca's thirst for knowledge

However, Maresca's tactical ideas weren't the only thing that tipped the scales in his favour over other candidates such as Kieran McKenna and Roberto de Zerbi.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the 44-year-old has a veritable thirst for knowledge and used his holiday in Marbella to watch Chelsea's games from the bygone season.

During talks with the club, Maresca displayed exceptional knowledge of the current crop of players and showed his willingness to try and harmonise with the current structure at the club, with its two sporting directors and a clear division of labour, something Pochettino, who wanted more influence, never did.

Jacobs reports that Maresca has asked for access to the club's data department so that he can analyse every player currently in the system, from the youth level to the first team.

Finally, Maresca was picked because of his 'champion mentality' and experience in English football, having also previously worked as an assistant and youth coach at Man City.