Chelsea has appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager on a five-year deal. Maresca, who previously managed Leicester City, replaces Mauricio Pochettino.

Maresca, 44, joined Leicester in June 2023 and led them to win the Championship title last season.

“We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea,” said Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors. “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.”

Maresca will start his new role on July 1, with a contract lasting five years and an option for a further year.

“To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach,” Maresca said. “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.”

Pochettino left Stamford Bridge last month by mutual consent after a difficult season in which Chelsea spent much of the campaign in mid-table.

However, the team managed to win their final five games, earning a spot in the Europa Conference League. They also reached the League Cup final and the FA Cup semi-finals.

Maresca will be the sixth coach to manage Chelsea’s first team since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium bought the club two years ago.

Under Clearlake’s ownership, Chelsea has spent more than £1 billion ($1.3 billion) on signings since taking over from Roman Abramovich in May 2022.