Leicester has made their stance clear on manager Enzo Maresca’s move to Chelsea. Chelsea announced the appointment of the 44-year-old on a five-year contract, with an optional additional year, on Monday afternoon. He steps in to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca led Leicester to the Championship title last season, securing the win with a game to spare.
Maresca assured Leicester’s hierarchy at the end of last season that he was happy to stay, despite financial challenges and the risk of a Premier League points deduction. However, that stance changed quickly once Chelsea parted ways with Pochettino, targeting Maresca as their top choice. The former Manchester City assistant manager has now exited the King Power Stadium after just one season, and Leicester’s official statement reflects their feelings about the situation.
The statement reads: “Leicester City Football Club can today confirm the departure of Enzo Maresca from his position as First Team Manager.
“Given the promising foundations established during his single season in charge, the Club is disappointed that Enzo has decided at this stage that he no longer wants to be part of our vision.
“However, with Enzo’s decision made and the Board’s terms for his departure met, we wish him well in his future endeavors.
“He leaves with the appreciation of everyone at the Club for his work in helping us to achieve an immediate return to the Premier League during the 2023/24 season.
“The Board will now commence the process of appointing a new manager that will lead our return to the Premier League and continue the implementation of our long-term vision for the success of Leicester City Football Club.”
Reports indicate that Leicester will receive a compensation fee of £10 million for Maresca, making him one of the most expensive managers in British football history.
Some of that fee might be used to pay the reported £3.5 million compensation fee to appoint West Brom boss Carlos Corberan, who is currently a leading contender for the role according to The Telegraph.
Steve Cooper, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Graham Potter are among the other candidates to fill the vacancy, with Maresca taking most of his key staff to Chelsea.
