Chelsea are almost sorted in the dugout area after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino following reports of a breakthrough with Enzo Maresca.
The 44-year-old Italian recently led Leicester City back to the Premier League by winning the EFL Championship to secure automatic promotion.
He won four EFL Championship Manager of the Month awards in the process of establishing himself as an elite English football managerial prospect.
Before his Leicester City stint, he worked under Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, for one year after failing at Serie B side Parma. That stint was his second at Man City, having previously managed their under-23 side to a Premier League 2 title in 2021.
The former Sevilla and Hellas Verona midfielder played some of the best football seen in English football last season. Fans were excited to see how he would fare with the Foxes upon their return to the top flight.
That hope seems to have been dashed as Chelsea have enticed the man with an offer he cannot refuse.
The Blues had a lineup of managers they hoped to approach for their role but Maresca soon took prominence over all of them. Now, reports claim that they are closer than ever to agreeing a deal with the former Man City coach.
It is believed that Maresca only has minor details to iron out before his official announcement as the new coach by the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League winners.
Maresca does not have many fans in the media, which is already a sign of negative press to come.
Speaking on how the Italian became the front-runner for the Chelsea role and if he was worth the risk of a long-term contract, the kind which eluded Pochettino, Darren Ambrose said: “I just think they’re hoping he’s learned off Pep – everyone is looking for the next Mikel Arteta.”
“I know some Leicester supporters, they won the Championship and were still criticising the way they play.”
“They pass you to death, this Leicester team, they pass everyone off the pitch, but it’s a bit boring.”
“I don’t think that’s what Chelsea are looking for.”
Chelsea’s idea for the upcoming season and beyond is a true squad rebuild, which means Maresca will probably be treated with the Mikel Arteta gloves by the Todd Boehly-led administration.
It remains to be seen if things will change at the club with the arrival of the Italian title-winning manager.
