Chelsea in advanced talks to hire Enzo Maresca

Chelsea have made Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca their number one choice to replace Mauricio Pochettino, according to the Telegraph. 

The Blues have formally asked permission to speak with the Italian and are in advanced talks to hire him. Chelsea must pay around £10 million in compensation to land the Leicester boss.

The club shortlisted Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank Roberto De Zerbi and Maresca for the job. They have now chosen the latter to replace Mauricio Pochettino.

Following Leicester’s relegation to the Championship, Maresca led them back into the Premier League. His team dominated the second tier with their possession-heavy football.

The Foxes had the second-best attack in the Championship, netting 89 goals. They also conceded the least (41). No team created more big chances than Leicester (142).

Chelsea have been particularly impressed by Maresca’s obsession with positional play. The Blues are keen on a manager who builds his game based on this model, which they believe is better for their squad.

The Blues also want a manager who has managed in England, which narrowed their search.

While Maresca’s Championship success is undeniable, overlooking established managers with proven Premier League experience for a philosophy buzzword such as positional play is risky. 

Maresca’s appointment would be a gamble, but one Chelsea are willing to take. It will be intriguing to see whether he can translate his success to the Premier League.