Chelsea has announced the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new coach, replacing Mauricio Pochettino, who left the club by mutual agreement a few days ago.

Maresca joins Stamford Bridge after leading Leicester City back to the Premier League last season. The “Foxes” topped the Championship (England's second division) just a year after their surprising relegation from the Premier League.

This will be the Italian's third stint as a head coach, following a 14-game spell at Parma in 2021, where he was sacked, and his recent success with Leicester.

Maresca also managed Manchester City's U-23 team before signing with Parma, and he served as Pep Guardiola's assistant until June 2023, helping the 'Sky Blues' win the treble.

The Italian has signed a five-year contract with the “Blues” and will be the fourth coach since Roman Abramovich's departure in spring 2022, following Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Pochettino. Frank Lampard also served as interim coach between Potter and Pochettino.

Next season, Maresca will face the challenge of leading Chelsea as they aim for a Champions League spot after two trophyless years and prepare to compete in the Conference League.