Yahoo News Breaking: Leicester City confirm Enzo Maresca exit to Chelsea
Leicester City have confirmed the departure of manager Enzo Maresca after just one year in charge after the Italian sealed his switch to Chelsea.
Maresca has signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge after emerging as Chelsea’s number-one candidate in a two-week search for Mauricio Pochettino’s successor. City will receive around £10m in compensation for the 44-year-old and his staff members, who will join him in moving to the capital.
The Italian's departure from the King Power Stadium comes less than a year after his arrival, but with his first objective achieved. An immediate return to the Premier League was the task for Maresca, and he guided City to a record eighth second-tier title to get them back into the top flight.
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That success, his style of football and the tips and tricks he picked up working alongside Pep Guardiola have been big factors in Chelsea opting for Maresca, who won out over fellow candidates Thomas Frank and Roberto De Zerbi. That’s despite his inexperience, with just one full campaign in senior management under his belt.
Maresca had been vocal about his issues at City in the run to the end of the season, mostly around the lack of internal communication over topics such as Profit and Sustainability rules and transfer market limitations. While it was suggested that those matters could lead to the Italian walking out on the club, talks were held with the hierarchy and Maresca had reaffirmed his commitment to City before Chelsea made their interest known.
City’s search for a replacement now officially begins. Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter is a long-term target, while it's understood that West Brom’s Carlos Corberan is a contender. David Moyes, Steve Cooper, and Mark Robins also feature in the running with bookmakers.
