Enzo Maresca 'emerges as top candidate' for Chelsea head coach job

Maresca led Leicester City to promotion this season

Chelsea’s top aim is now to land Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca as the new head coach, following the club’s ownership’s formal request for authorization to talk with the Italian.

With talks already well advanced, Maresca is almost ready to leave Championship title winners Leicester City to take charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian will cost Chelsea over £10 million in reimbursement, but he is currently the top choice over Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank of Brentford.

Over the weekend, Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna made the decision to step away from the process. Maresca made an impression in negotiations and is now thought to be a perfect fit for the Chelsea board.

Maresca, a former Pep Guardiola assistant, has a reputation for possession-based football, something the Chelsea management finds appealing as they want to change course.

Last Monday, Mauricio Pochettino left the team by mutual consent, and Chelsea are currently finalising a contract for Maresca, 44. Nevertheless, De Zerbi is still interested in the Chelsea position and is rumoured to think he could be a good fit for the west Londoners.

While on the other hand, Premier League rivals Manchester United are also reportedly looking for a new manager and are also considering Brentford’s Thomas Frank, although he is also looks set to leave the Bees for whatever he views as the best opportunity moving forward.

Chelsea secure qualification for Europa Conference League next season

Chelsea finished sixth under former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and the team advanced to the Europa Conference League for the following season after finishing in eleventh place in 2021-22 season.

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The 52-year-old left the Blues before their final European fait was decided, though, as that was contingent on the outcome of Saturday’s FA Cup final.

Due to Manchester United’s 2-1 victory against rival Manchester City, Chelsea were unable to qualify for the Europa League.

After leaving Chelsea, Pochettino became an instant option for United and Old Trafford hierarchy are still debating whether to pursue him.

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