Ex-Man City goalkeeper named in Enzo Maresca’s backroom staff as Chelsea appointment confirmed

Former Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca has been confirmed as Chelsea's new head coach.

The Italian, who spent two seasons at the Etihad, initially as Under-21 coach and then as part of Pep Guardiola’s first-team staff, joined Leicester City last year and guided the Foxes to promotion from the Championship.

That campaign in the English second tier alerted the attention of Chelsea following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure last month, and Maresca has signed a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

“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,” he told the club’s website. “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.”

Sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: ‘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.

“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’s has also named ex-goalkeeper Willy Caballero as his assistant. The Argentinian, who played 48 times for City during his playing days, as well as 38 appearances for Chelsea, was also Maresca’s assistant at Leicester.

Caballero is part of the new back-up team at Chelsea alongside Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javi Molina, Roberto Vitiello, Ben Roberts and Bernardo Cueva.

The London club have endured a turbulent few years following the changes from the Roman Abramovich era to Todd Boehy’s new regime, along with a large turnover in players and several managerial alterations. Chelsea ended 2023/24 in sixth place, a year on from finishing 12th.

Maresca won’t have to wait long to come face to face with his former mentor Guardiola, with Chelsea and City facing each in a pre-season friendly in Ohio on 2 August.