Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca era is about to swing into action – but it won’t come without a pretty penny.
The Blues have decided to roll the dice on Maresca, who led Leicester City back into the big time at the first time of asking. Maresca said: “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.
“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.” Maresca, according to The Athletic, has put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
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Maresca will also be bringing six of his own staff — Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javier Molina Caballero and Roberto Vitiello. It’s unknown what that will cost the club in wages.
However, it is known that the Blues have paid the Foxes compensation in the region of £10million for the services of Maresca. According to The Athletic, Chelsea have been sensitive to the disruption caused to Leicester ahead of their return to the Premier League.
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And the Foxes have been appreciative of the class and professionalism Chelsea have displayed throughout the negotiation process.
However, that isn’t Chelsea’s only expenditure when it comes to Maresca. Todd Boehly had to fork out ‘significant’ compensation package – according to The Telegraph – when parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino last month.
It was previously suggested that Pochettino would be entitled to a package exceeding £10million when he had 18 months left on his contract. Any pay-off this season could potentially impact Chelsea’s profit and sustainability (PSR) results for this term.
Boehly and Co had already forked out £10million when they dismissed Thomas Tuchel, while Graham Potter was owed £13million after his departure in April 2023.
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The Blues also parted company with Pochettino’s coaching staff, including Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez and Sebastiano Pochettino, who could be included in a compensation package. Chelsea have now had four permanent managers since Boehly took the reigns in the summer of 2022 – and also Frank Lampard as an interim boss.
Leicester meanwhile were less than impressed with Maresca’s departure. In a statement, the Midlands club said: “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 endeavours. 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.
“Staff members Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javier Molina Caballero and Roberto Vitiello will also be leaving the club.
“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.