Chelsea provide four reasons behind Enzo Maresca appointment after 'impressing' in talks

Chelsea have explained why Enzo Maresca impressed during their search for Mauricio Pochettino’s successor. The Italian has been confirmed as the Blues’ new head coach, with reports claiming he has signed a five-year deal.

Co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Paul Stewart say that Maresca is an excellent coach who can deliver results, and that his ‘ambition’ and ‘work ethic’ have won him the job.

“We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style,” Winstanley and Stewart said in a joint-statement.

“Enzo has deeply impressed us in our discussions leading up to his appointment. His ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club. We thoroughly look forward to working with him.”

Maresca won the Championship with Leicester last season and was previously assistant head coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. His Foxes side accumulated a staggering 97 points last season, playing a vibrant brand of football.

He is believed to have beaten Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna to the Chelsea job. De Zerbi left Brighton at the end of last season and is yet to find a new position, while McKenna has signed a new contract at Ipswich after winning promotion to the Premier League.

“To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. It is why I am so excited by this opportunity,” Maresca said after his appointment at Chelsea was confirmed on Monday.

“I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club’s tradition of success and makes our fans proud.”

Chelsea’s ownership group, whose three permanent head coaches have an average lifespan of seven months, hope Maresca can be the man to elevate them back among the contention for major honours.

A statement by the BlueCo consortium read: “We are thrilled to welcome Enzo into the Chelsea family. We look forward to supporting him and the rest of the sporting team in fulfilling their potential and our expectations over the years to come.

“He is a highly gifted coach and leader that we are confident can help fulfil our vision and competitive goals for the Club.”

Chelsea mutually agreed to part ways with Pochettino at the end of last season. After a tricky start to the campaign, the Blues won their final five matches under the Argentine and finished sixth in the Premier League. Chelsea also reached the Carabao Cup final but were beaten by Liverpool.