Related Post
Maresca leaves Leicester City, where he was coach for only one season, helping the Foxes return to the Premier League after their demotion last season.
Soccernet.football highlights ten factors that stands out about the Chelsea’s deal with the Italian gaffer.
1. Long-Term Commitment
Chelsea have signed Enzo Maresca on a five-year contract, with an option for an additional year. This contrasts sharply with the shorter two-year deal handed to Mauricio Pochettino and indicates the owners’ desire for greater stability and continuity.
Chelsea’s decision to also pay approximately £10 million in compensation to Leicester City for Maresca and his backroom staff underscores their commitment to securing their top managerial choice.
2. Immediate Objective
Maresca’s primary mandate is clear: return Chelsea to the Champions League. And well, challenge for the Premier League.
The owners have set this as a minimum expectation, underscoring their ambition to reestablish the club among Europe’s elite and England’s best.
Chelsea’s qualification for the revamped Club World Cup in 2025, as a result of their 2021 Champions League victory, adds another layer of ambition and responsibility for Maresca.
3. Proven Success with Leicester
Maresca’s success in leading Leicester City to the Championship title last season is notable, especially as it was his first full campaign as a head coach.
This achievement demonstrates his capability to deliver immediate results under pressure.
4. Frequent Managerial Changes
Under the ownership of Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly, Chelsea have seen a revolving door of managers.
Maresca is the fifth appointment in just two years, following Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard, and Mauricio Pochettino. Maresca will hope he can be the long-term solution Chelsea needs.
5. Different Approach from Pochettino
Unlike Pochettino, who sought greater control over recruitment, Maresca is willing to focus solely on coaching.
This alignment with the owners’ structure and vision could lead to a more harmonious relationship and clearer division of responsibilities. Maresca is the perfect fit for Chelsea’s owners.
6. Influence of Pep Guardiola
Maresca’s coaching philosophy has been heavily influenced by Pep Guardiola. Having worked under him at Manchester City, Maresca adopts a style focused on patient possession and positional play, which could bring a fresh and tactical approach to Chelsea.
Maresca’s touch worked wonders at Leicester City, helping the Foxes win the Championship and gain promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
8. Versatile Coaching Background
Maresca’s coaching journey has taken him through various leagues and roles, including stints in Italy, Spain, and England. This diverse experience equips him with a broad tactical perspective and adaptability to different footballing cultures and environments.
During his time as Manchester City’s elite development squad manager, Maresca led the team to a Premier League 2 title by a remarkable 14 points. His ability to develop young talent could be crucial for Chelsea’s future, given their strong emphasis on nurturing homegrown players.
9. Experienced Coaching Team
Maresca will be accompanied by six members of his backroom staff from Leicester City, including notable figures like former Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero.
This experienced team is expected to bring cohesion and expertise, bolstering the overall coaching setup.
10. Parallels with Mikel Arteta
Similar to Mikel Arteta, who also transitioned from Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City to a head coach role at Arsenal, Maresca’s tactical acumen and possession-based style could draw comparisons.
Both managers emphasise a structured and patient build-up play, which might resonate well with Chelsea’s squad.
