Chelsea are in discussions to appoint Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, according to British media reports.
The Italian, who served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City until last year, successfully led the Foxes back to the Premier League following their relegation 12 months ago.
Maresca’s footballing style has reportedly impressed Chelsea’s management. Sky Sports reported on Monday that the Blues have requested permission from Leicester to speak directly with Maresca, who is considered the preferred candidate by the London club.
Chelsea are searching for a new manager after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino spent just one season at Stamford Bridge, with Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna, who guided Ipswich to top-flight promotion behind Leicester, also being linked to the vacancy.
Pochettino left after a late-season surge saw Chelsea finish sixth in the Premier League, securing a spot in the Europa Conference League but missing out on Champions League qualification and a trophy. Chelsea lost the League Cup final 1-0 to Liverpool after extra time and were defeated by Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals by the same score.
However, there were signs that Pochettino’s project was taking shape, as evidenced by a run of five consecutive wins to end the campaign, ensuring Chelsea’s involvement in European competition next season.
