Barring an announcement in the next few minutes, Chelsea will not be officially confirming the appointment of Enzo Maresca today (Friday). But it’s surely just a matter of time, hours even.
The Telegraph reported last night that the “appointment” has been agreed, with “lawyers are working towards a Friday announcement”. It’s going to be a five-year contract, plus the option of a further year, “one of the longest sanctioned by the club for a manager” — under any ownership. The Telegraph’s report makes no mention of any “prudent” break clauses as a few others had previously.
The report does claim that the ownership and all the decision-makers are “in agreement that Maresca is the outstanding candidate”. Previously, Behdad Eghbali was said to favor Roberto De Zerbi while Todd Boehly would’ve preferred to have kept Mauricio Pochettino.
Maresca’s remit for his first season will be to “challenge for the Premier League as well as the domestic cups”, plus the UEFA Conference League and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as well. And our ultimate goal is of course “to be back as a staple of the Champions League”.
The 44-year-old former assistant to Pep Guardiola had been on holidays, but is expected to return this weekend, and get to work.
Lots to do!