Chelsea

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

After a topsy-turvy season, Chelsea are set to appoint Enzo Maresca as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement - but what can supporters expect from the Italian manager?

The 44-year-old will tick plenty of boxes for Chelsea's board, but his appointment appears to be a gamble compared to Pochettino's safe hands.

Maresca has already established himself as a top coach - having taken charge of Manchester City's Elite Development Squad between 2020 and 2021 and served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man during Manchester City's 2022-23 Treble-winning campaign - but he does lack managerial experience.

Prior to becoming Leicester City manager, Maresca only had one club on his managerial CV - Italian club Parma. His tenure there was short-lived though, after winning just four of his 14 games in charge.

He had much more success with the Foxes this season, guiding the previous Premier League winners back to the top-flight at the first time of asking with a 67.39% win rate.

Following his arrival at King Power Stadium, it didn't take long for Maresca to implement his complex footballing ideas. As Guardiola's prodigy, there are many similarities to his playing style and that of the Manchester City boss.

It has to be said that it isn't the most exciting brand of football - Maresca wants his teams to play out from the back, control the ball, keep possession and focus on positional play.

The Italian manager more or less stuck to the same playing style for the entirety of Leicester City's Championship-winning campaign. He opted for a 4-3-3 formation, which changed into 3-2-4-1 when in possession, with the right-back inverting to become a defensive midfielder.

His Guardiola-esque brand of football saw the Foxes record the best-ever 20 game start to a Championship season, picking up 49 points from a possible 60 points.

However, Leicester soon found themselves on the brink of throwing away a 20-point lead at the top of the table.

Other teams sussed Maresca's tactics out, but he remained steadfast in his playing style which sparked uproar amongst Leicester City supporters, who urged him to find a 'Plan B' sooner rather than later.

But, following a 2-0 win over Watford, the Italian boss delivered a strong message to Foxes fans about his style of play, stating: "We are born with this idea and we are going to die with this idea. So if some of them not happy, it is their problem."

Maresca stayed true to his footballing principles and still managed to see Leicester City over the line with 97 points and the Championship title. So, if it is a long-term playing identity that Chelsea are looking for, Maresca could be the right manager to deliver that.

Filling Pochettino's boots is going to be a big ask, but Maresca will be confident that he is leaving Leicester City with much more experience.

There is however seemingly much more he needs to prove.

Image source, Getty Images

As Chelsea and Leicester City supporters wait for Enzo Maresca to be unveiled as the Blues' new manager, former Foxes academy graduate Ian Baraclough has been discussing the reasons why the Italian manager has been poached so quickly.

"It didn't surprise me that he was going to get linked to roles," Baraclough told the When You're Smiling podcast.

"When you have done very well, even at Championship level, you are going to get put into certain positions where you have the chance of taking X, Y and Z job. I think working under Pep Guardiola seems to be a bit of a magical ingredient as well.

"So it didn't surprise me that he was being linked, but I was a bit surprised that it has happened so quickly.

"Chelsea have sifted through the names that they wanted to replace Mauricio Pochettino. It surprised in the first place that they let him go - I'm sure I'm not the only one there!

"I suppose when someone like Chelsea come calling for Enzo Maresca, he then has a big decision to make.

"Does he take Leicester back into the Premier League, which he has earned the right to do? Or does he jump ship? It certainly looks like he is going to do the latter.

"Enzo has shown time and time again that he isn't for changing [his style of play]. I know plenty of Leicester supporters around the city and I think it is definitely split, maybe even 70:30, in terms of them not being that fussed that he is going."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Football fans become used to what their club is and with that comes an expectation. It's not an entitlement but an acclimatisation to a certain way of doing things.

It is the reason we are repeatedly told 'This is Manchester United football club' in disbelief as the Red Devils continue to follow their trophy-laden dynasty under Sir Alex Ferguson with what is now 11 disappointing years without a league title.

The fabric of that club has changed but many are still yet to process it.

Apply the same logic to Chelsea.

Between Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich's acquisition of the club in 2003 and his sale to Clearlake Capital in 2022, the club won honours under Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink, Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto Di Matteo, Rafa Benitez, Antonio Conte, Maurizio Sarri and Thomas Tuchel.

Di Matteo aside perhaps, these are all illustrious names. They are big characters with elite European pedigree. In an era of single-minded, ruthless pursuit of success, they were moved on as soon as there was a hint of their powers waning. Those who failed to secure silverware - including World Cup winning Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari - were dismissed by default.

Under Clearlake, Chelsea sacked the popular Tuchel, replaced him with Graham Potter for six months, gave a game to recently retired Brighton right-back Bruno Saltor, rehired Frank Lampard for a disastrous caretaker spell, and appointed Mauricio Pochettino - a coach whose reputation was built upon taking bitter rivals Tottenham close to silverware without getting them over the line.

The man to replace him? Enzo Maresca - a 44-year-old whose only experience in senior management is six disappointing months at Parma and last season's Championship title victory with Leicester.

He has worked under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, but does not possess a stellar CV or glittering trophy cabinet as either a player or manager.

The noises from the ownership, and five year deal set to be handed to Maresca, indicate the want for a young manger to build a long-term project but the concept of a project at Chelsea has been alien for two decades.

The word project was also being used when both Potter and Pochettino were appointed. Neither lasted beyond a season. On the surface, the culture of unforgiving disposal of managers remains without the insatiable ambition and drive for short-term success - as illustrated by the choice of candidate.

This all contributes to the identity crisis Chelsea are enduring, and the feelings of detachment from the club fans are suffering as a result.

The fact most have scoffed at the length of the deal, questioned his track record, have reservations over his playing style, and know he is likely not long for the role if things start poorly is a damning indictment of the purgatory the Blues are in.

Their hopes are pinned on Maresca's ability to turn their scepticism into belief and the truth is he has achieved nothing yet in the game which demands it. The ownership themselves have offered nothing to indicate they are capable of providing an environment which is conducive to success.

Where is the next trophy or Champions League run coming from?

This is Chelsea Football Club after all.

We asked for your expectations for Enzo Maresca's first season in charge at Chelsea as the Italian manager is set to be announced as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement.

Here are some of your responses:

Lorraine: I would take consistent performances, better defending and exciting play in the short term and build from that. Looking forward to see what the potential new manager will bring.

Will: All my expectations are is that he doesn’t let the owners completely rebuild the team, since we’ve played much better with a consistent 11. If Maresca looks at how Poch ran the club recently, we’ll be fine if he mimics what the players are used to.

Nick: Had Pochettino stayed I'd have expected Chelsea to improve on sixth place next season. With Maresca the whole process starts all over again - so another sixth place would be as much as could be expected, plus a decent run in Europe. Cup runs depend so much on the luck of the draw. No fan should demand or expect to lift a trophy.

Phil: Will not be easy but there is certainly a strong squad providing they are fit and available. I think winning the Europa Conference League and reaching another domestic final is fair and realistic. I am sure a top-four place is desired but so long as another European place is secured I would be happy.

Keith: With Todd Boehly seemingly unwilling to explain his masterplan, how can anyone make demands of any new manager to bring "instant" success to the club? European qualification is a definite target but clean sheets and not throwing away leads are more important in the short term. But, with little or no input on who comes or goes, managers should beware.

R.J.M: He must deliver a top-four finish...minimum!

Dave: Top four and a good run in the Conference League. Period. No excuses. We've sat still for two seasons, enough is enough. If you replace Poch, you presumably expected/wanted better. So, let's have it.

Manchester United are considering a move for Chelsea's 24-year-old English centre-back Trevoh Chalobah. (Independent), external

Chelsea will appoint Leicester City's Italian manager Enzo Maresca on a five-year contract, plus the option of a further year. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Chelsea and Albania forward Armando Broja is wanted by Wolves, Crystal Palace, and Everton. (Ben Jacobs on X), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Reuters

Chelsea striker Armando Broja has interest from multiple clubs in Europe, including French side Monaco.

The Albania striker, 22, is available for sale this summer and is ready to take the next step in his career.

This year Broja had an unsuccessful loan spell at Fulham, who paid a £4m penalty fee for not starting the former Vitesse and Southampton striker in 10 or more matches.

Fulham are not interested in making the loan spell permanent after a superb end to the season for Rodrigo Muniz but long-term admirers AC Milan and Wolves could join Monaco in the race for Broja's signature.

Monaco are seeking a replacement for outgoing striker Wissam Ben Yedder, with Red Bull Salzburg's Karim Konate and Ajax's Georges Mikautadze also on the club's list.

The Blues valued Broja at close to £50m in January but the fee could drop to between £25m and £30m. Chelsea could look to leverage any discounts by adding a substantial sell-on or a favourable buy-back clause to make any deal more worthwhile.

With Enzo Maresca poised to become the fourth permanent Chelsea boss since Clearlake Capital became the club's new owners, but will fans cut him some slack given his limited managerial experience in comparison with his predecessors?

Blues supporter Teema Nicholls tells The Football News Show why she demands a trophy and a top-four finish in Maresca's first season and why those running the club must take responsibility if it does not work out.

Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer

Do you agree, Chelsea fans? What would your expectations be in Maresca's debut campaign? Have your say here, external

In the first episode of You'll Never Beat Kyle Walker on BBC Sounds, the Manchester City and England defender picks out the traits of players he believes would make the perfect right-back, and explains why he rates Chelsea's Reece James so highly.

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

Aston Villa are interested in 24-year-old Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher. (Independent), external

Chelsea have to raise funds through player sales before 30 June to comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules. (Sun), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea are believed to be exploring the market for goalkeepers as they work to finalise Enzo Maresca's appointment as manager.

The imminent arrival of the Italian, 44, from Leicester City has impacted Chelsea's transfer activity, with goalkeeping options being assessed.

Blues officials are understood to have contacted representatives of Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, 22, over a potential summer move.

Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic both had spells as Chelsea's number one last season under Mauricio Pochettino, with Marcus Bettinelli acting as a good third option.

Kepa Arrizabalaga went on loan to Real Madrid last season but the Champions League finalist are unlikely to exercise an option to buy in his contract. He will likely be sold this summer.

Gabriel Slonina, 20, had a successful loan spell in Belgium at Eupen and is seeking another temporary loan move away.

At Leicester, Maresca signed Danish keeper Mads Hermansen, with a comfortable ball-playing option key to his possession-based style of play.

Chelsea have also been looking at potential strikers and defenders, including centre-backs and left-backs, in recent months.

With Chelsea poised to appoint Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague tells The Football News Show how the Italian impressed in his interview with his deep knowledge of the club's youth structure and enthusiasm to hit the ground running.

Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer

With Enzo Maresca set to be named as the new Chelsea boss, BBC Sport's Nizaar Kinsella tells The Football News Show why Chelsea's sporting directors prefer to work with a head coach rather than a manager.

Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea are moving closer to naming Mauricio Pochettino's successor, with Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca looking set to be the club's third permanent appointment in two years.

While many onlookers are still wondering why Pochettino left by "mutual agreement", the Blues have been honing in on what they see to be the next best fit.

Going in the direction of a head coach untested yet in the top flight might seem like a gamble, but the Chelsea hierarchy are banking on the 44-year-old's tutelage under Pep Guardiola.

Maresca spent 12 months as Manchester City assistant coach learning from one of the greatest managers in club football. The Italian then made the move to the East Midlands, guiding Leicester to the Championship title and promotion with 97 points.

Labelled as a "great man-manager" and "tactically incredible" by Foxes midfielder Harry Winks, Todd Boehly and co see Maresca following in the footsteps of other coaches who achieved success after learning from Guardiola.

So who else graduated from Pep school?

Xavi

The outgoing Barcelona manager spent four succesful years under the guidance of Guardiola as a player at the Nou Camp.

When Guardiola took over in 2008, he told Xavi he did not "see this team without you in it".

Xavi took his first coaching steps in Qatar, where he led his Al Sadd side to seven trophies, before becoming Barcelona boss in November 2021 and winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup in 2023.

Erik ten Hag

The Manchester United boss' future may be in the balance, but it is hard to argue with his managerial successes.

The Dutchman began his coaching career in 2012 at Go Ahead Eagles, leading the club to promotion in his debut season. He then joined Bayern Munich II in 2013, winning promotion to the Regionalliga Bayern in 2014, and where he spent time studying then first-team manager Guardiola.

He took his learning back to the Eredivisie, winning three titles and two KNVB Cups with Ajax before joining the Red Devils, with whom he has won two domestic cups.

Mikel Arteta

Guardiola and Arteta's relationship goes back a long way to when they first met at Barcelona.

In 2016, Arteta joined Guardiola as part of his backroom staff at Manchester City and spent three years there.

Taking over from the sacked Unai Emery at Arsenal in 2019, the Spaniard won the FA Cup in his first season and has finished runners-up to Guardiola's side in the Premier League for two consecutive campaigns.

Xabi Alonso

Alonso's time learning from Guardiola was spent as a player at Bayern Munich and his first move into management could not have gone much better.

Taking over at Bayer Leverkusen, the former Liverpool midfielder led the Bundesliga side to their first league title and the German Cup in his debut campaign. They lost one game all season - the Europa League final to Atalanta.

Vincent Kompany

The current Burnley boss had three successful seasons as captain under Guardiola's management at City before he left to become player-coach at Anderlecht.

His time managing in Belgium was not spectacular, but he led the Clarets to the Championship title with 101 points in 2022-23.

Despite Premier League relegation 12 months later, Kompany is in line to take over at Bayern Munich.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Ipswich Town and Stuttgart are interested in signing Chelsea forward Omari Hutchinson.

The 20-year-old is being targeted after an excellent season on loan in the Championship, scoring 10 goals and getting six assists in 44 matches as Ipswich gained promotion in his first full season as a senior footballer.

The Tractor Boys are interested in signing Hutchinson on either a loan or permanent deal as they also look at extending manager Kieran McKenna's contract.

Hutchinson was also a guest at Stuttgart’s final home game against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday. The German club have secured qualification for next season's Champions League.

Dutch giants Ajax and Feyenoord are also reportedly interested in a loan move.

Chelsea have exercised an option to extend Hutchinson's contract at Stamford Bridge to 2026.

It gives them leverage in deciding how to handle the youngster's future, as they seek to appoint Leicester City's Enzo Maresca as their new boss.

Blues officials will soon sit down with Maresca to decide whether to keep, loan or sell Hutchinson, who was signed from Arsenal in 2022.

BBC Sport's football news reporter Nizaar Kinsella has been discussing Chelsea's move for Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club:

"They quite like the fact that he has an identity and they see him as a good fit.

"If we look at how Mauricio Pochettino fell out with Chelsea, a huge part of it was personality driven, a huge part of it was control and him wanting to be a bit more of an old-school manager.

"Maresca is quite happy, it seems, to be a head coach fitting into their first-team structure.

"Chelsea feel like they have built a modern, elite environment - or are building that and it did need modernising after the Roman Abramovich era - and they feel like they are getting there now.

"They just a need someone to slot in and do the job of coaching, rather than getting involved in transfers."

Watch the full episode of Monday Night Club on BBC iPlayer or listen to the podcast on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts on Enzo Maresca after it was reported that the Leicester boss is in talks with Chelsea to take over from Mauricio Pochettino as manager.

Here are some of your responses:

Mike: Not sure what to think right now assuming he is the chosen one. Lack of Premier League experience is a worry but he is Italian and we have done well with Italian managers in the past. He worries me less than the other quoted options do.

Geoff: The right choice for Chelsea would have been to keep Pochettino. Making every season one of massive change shows the owners don’t understand that football is a team game.

Christopher: If Maresca is appointed I will cancel my season ticket. Fed up with these stupid choices constantly made by these 'too much money but no brains' owners. At least De Zerbi has managed successfully some of our players in the Premier League. This will be another Potter debacle.

Scott: Maresca was my least fancied of those up for the job. However, being Italian he'll be used to being dictated to by a sporting director/owner - in other words, exactly what the circus ringmaster is looking for. Totally underwhelming.

Mick: Logic tells you that we should get a tried and tested winner. But everything we are hearing says this is what Chelsea want and need for the project. Only time will tell if it works. Should he start winning, nobody will care. If he is prepared to train the players given to him, and can make it work, good luck to him.

Michael: The reported shortlist is strong. In the end, you have to hope the process has selected the right person through performance data, background checks and their presentation of their vision, strategy and desire. It’s good they haven’t gone for a vanity appointment - we need hunger and desire. A Guardiola protege is fine by me.

Mark: Appointing a Championship-level manager like Maresca for this Chelsea side is like sourcing an engine from Ferrari, a gearbox from Porsche, aero from McLaren and bodywork from Lamborghini - just to get your mate Dave down the street to put it all together.

Image source, PA Media

If Enzo Maresca becomes Chelsea manager, he is likely to be afforded time as long as he produces a "base-level performance" and does not "rock the boat" too much with the club's hierarchy, says BBC Sport football news reporter Nizaar Kinsella.

Leicester City boss Maresca, who led the Foxes to the Championship title in 2023-24, is in talks to succeed Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino left last week after one season at Stamford Bridge, while Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard all had spells in charge during the previous campaign.

Kinsella told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club: "They've always said they want to give people time and then they never do. There is that intention to be patient with him and give him a chance to bed in, but he'll have to get on with everyone and not rock the boat.

"Pochettino was maybe rocking the boat a little bit too much. We talked about the relationship with the owners and the structure - [sporting directors] Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart wanted to retain control. That's going to be key. He's going to have to do a base-level performance to get time and then also not rock the boat. He's got two things that he needs to try to convince with.

"Pochettino actually fell short of expectations. They wanted the top four last season - they might have accepted the Europa League and they ended up in the Europa Conference League. He's going to have to try to push towards that Champions League finish. A lot of people might think that is very difficult, but it certainly is going to be the aim next season, especially having spent so much - we can't forget that, and that the owners are ambitious.

"It's starting to emerge that there's a five-year deal on the table so maybe that's a bit of an indicator. It's going back to a Graham Potter approach almost. They wanted Potter to be the man to build with, and now let's have Maresca - he's going to build and turn us into a great club."

Watch the full episode of Monday Night Club on BBC iPlayer or listen to the podcast on BBC Sounds

Chelsea are considering rivalling Newcastle United for 26-year-old defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who will be a free agent when his Fulham contract expires next month. (The i, external)

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is set to sign a new long-term contract despite interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Brighton. (Athletic - subscription required, external)

Potential new Napoli boss Antonio Conte wants to sign Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku to replace Victor Osimhen, who hopes to join a Premier League team. (Corriere Della Sera, external)

Liverpool are among the Premier League clubs interested in Leeds United's 22-year-old Dutch forward Crysencio Summerville. (Mirror, external)

Paris St-Germain and the Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons, 21, wants to join Barcelona despite interest from Chelsea, RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Newcastle. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have pursued the appointment of Enzo Maresca with real conviction and are determined to agree a compensation package in the coming days.

The Italian, 44, was chosen primarily by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart from a four-man shortlist in the last week.

Co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali has also been in London and is the key figure from the ownership across the potential appointment.

The decision was made through a combination of data, interviews and due diligence background checks.

There’s a belief he will fit the club's structure and Chelsea were impressed with his prior knowledge of the squad.

His background working as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City was also viewed positively, with members of the board impressed with the rebuilding job Mikel Arteta has done at Arsenal after leaving the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea believe they are building an elite structure and hope that a hands-on, tactically proficient coach can get the best out of their expensively assembled squad.

There is broad consensus across the club that Maresca is the right choice, despite talks with Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi.

Will you be pleased if Maresca is appointed? Tell us here, external

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea are in talks to appoint Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca as the replacement for Mauricio Pochettino.

The 44-year-old, who won the Championship for the Foxes last season and promotion to the Premier League, is increasingly the frontrunner for the vacancy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca is interested in moving to the west Londoners as talks continue 24 hours after Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna dropped out of the four-man race for the role.

However, former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are not fully ruled out.

The Blues will have to pay compensation fees to sign any of their remaining options, with Maresca, who served his coaching apprenticeship as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, reportedly costing close to £10m.

Chelsea hope to finalise their appointment this week but it is subject to talks over a compensation package.

What do you think of the potential appointment Blues fans?, external

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea will continue their partnership with Infinite Athlete amid talks to decide the front-of-shirt sponsor for next season.

An ambiguous post on social media seemed to declare the end of the seven-year arrangement with Infinite Athlete, but it was swiftly deleted.

Infinite Athlete, a sports technology company, have confirmed they will continue as front-of-shirt sponsor into pre-season.

Talks are ongoing to decide whether they continue into the 2024-25 season or move onto the less-visible but less-costly sponsor position on the sleeve.

Much will depend on whether Chelsea can find alternative big-ticket sponsors, having held talks with Saudi airline Riyadh Air.

Infinite Athlete reportedly paid around £40m to sponsor Chelsea last season.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has held meetings with Chelsea as they look for a manager, after parting company with Mauricio Pochettino. (Christian Falk), external

Meanwhile, Leicester City boss Maresca has rejected an approach from Sevilla as he wants to stay in the Premier League, and is waiting for a response from Chelsea after recent talks with the Stamford Bridge club. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Finally, former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi is the fourth name on Chelsea's list in their search for a new manager, with Frank, Maresca and Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna the others. (Mail), external

If Manchester United appoint Pochettino, he will look to bring midfielder Conor Gallagher and defender Trevoh Chalobah with him from Chelsea to Old Trafford. (Football Insider), external

Finally, Stoke midfielder Sol Sidibe, 17, is a target for Chelsea, AC Milan and Monaco after making his first-team breakthrough last season. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column