Cesare Casadei may benefit from Enzo Maresca's potential Chelsea appointment (Image: Getty)
Chelsea’s potential appointment of Enzo Maresca could kickstart the career of outcast midfielder Cesare Casadei. The Blues have reportedly whittled down their shortlist of candidates to replace Mauricio Pochettino to just two names.
Maresca and Brentford coach Thomas Frank are reportedly favoured by the West Londoners, who have moved on from their interest in Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and ex-Brighton tactician Roberto De Zerbi. The Leicester manager was impressed by Casadei during a half-season loan with the Foxes last term.
Casadei started just seven of his 25 appearances for the club but was due for a run in the team when Wilfred Ndidi suffered an injury in January. However, Chelsea decided to call the former Inter Milan prospect back to Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old played 11 times for the Blues in the second half of the campaign, although those appearances amounted to only 68 minutes of action. Casadei will hope that Chelsea’s next manager will play him more often, with Maresca keen on the box-to-box midfielder.
Enzo Maresca is reportedly on Chelsea's shortlist to replace Mauricio Pochettino (Image: Getty)
Leicester were left stunned when Chelsea opted to recall Casadei from his loan at Leicester, which left Maresca disappointed. “We were surprised Casadei went back to Chelsea,” said Maresca in January.
“They own him so they can decide – we can’t do anything. We didn’t expect it but we deal with it and we see if we can do something before the transfer window closes.”
Ahead of Leicester’s FA Cup defeat against Chelsea in March, Maresca added: "The reason that they decided to bring him back, I don’t know. The only thing that I can say is that we lost players in January. The reason why is a question for Chelsea.
"I don’t know. I know that Cesare was happy here. We were happy with Cesare.”
Maresca may get a surprise chance to reunite with Casadei this summer, though. The youngster impressed during his time at Leicester, scoring three goals from midfield as Maresca’s side soared into a huge lead at the top of the Championship in the first half of the campaign.
Should Chelsea appoint the Leicester head coach, Casadei may expect more minutes in what could be a key season for his development. Conor Gallagher’s potential departure, with the vice-captain linked with Tottenham and Aston Villa, may open a midfield spot for the star.
Maresca, 44, is set to battle with Frank for the Chelsea job over the coming days, according to The Athletic. Casadei’s Chelsea career may hinge on Maresca being appointed.
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