Chelsea One Step Again Get Enzo Maresca To Replace Pochettino

Enzo Maresca most likely becomes Chelsea manager (Instagram/@lcfc).

JAKARTA - Chelsea are seriously negotiating with Enzo Maresca to replace Mauricio Pochettino who was expelled recently.

Leicester City also appears to have given the green light for the manager's departure. However, the Blues will pay 10 million in compensation if they want to take it to Stamford Bridge.

The 44-year-old Italian emerged as a leading candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino after bringing Leicester City to promotion to the Premier League next season after winning the 2023/2024 Championship.

Todd Boehly and Clearlake, owners of Chelsea, actually have no problem if you have to spend 10 million pounds to get Maresca.

You see, Maresca is the leading candidate over Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank.

Kieran McKenna is actually on the list after leading Ipswich Town to be promoted to the Premier League next season. However, he has resigned from his candidacy.

Meanwhile, Maresca, who has a 10 million release clause in his deal, moved to King Power from Manchester City's coaching staff last summer.

He guided the club straight back to the Premier League in the first attempt to win the Championship title.

While still actively playing, Maresca played for West Brom and Sevilla. At the last club, he contributed to winning the UEFA Cup (Erupa League).

His managerial career began at Italy's little club, Ascoli, before he moved to Man City in 2020 to lead their elite development forces.

He went for a while to return home and take over as Parma's manager, but he was sacked just months after failing to impress.

It led to the return of Man City as one of Pep Guardiola's assistants for the 2022/23 season which ended in treble glory before he moved to Leicester.

Apart from that, Pochettino's dismissal was considered rushed. The Argentine coach did not actually fail with the Blue.

Pochettino has only served for one season. He got a bad season until he finally brought the club to finish in sixth place in the 2023/2024 Premier League.

Throughout last season, Chelsea were brought to the Carabao Cup final, which they lost to Liverpool, as well as the FA Cup semifinals.

Pochettino also confirmed they return to European competition next season thanks to the UEFA Conference League.

This achievement is considered unsatisfactory for Chelsea owners. In fact, Pochettino is building a squad for the future of the Blues, which is currently filled with talented young players.