Enzo Maresca Appointed as Leicester Manager

Leicester City have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager on a three-year contract. 

Maresca spent last season as Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager in a campaign which saw Manchester City achieve a historic treble, following his return from a failed debut managerial spell in Italy’s Serie B with Parma.

The Italian succeeds Brendan Rogers as Leicester’s permanent manager following Rogers’ sacking in April, with Dean Smith having taken interim charge for their last eight matches in which they suffered relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season.

Smith has subsequently decided to leave following discussions with the club’s board who have instead swooped to sign Maresca, despite the 43-year’s disappointing 180-day reign in charge of Parma between May – November 2021 in which the Italian club failed to fight for promotion.

Speaking about his decision to join the Foxes, Maresca said that he is “very excited” to have the task of attempting to guide Leicester to instant promotion back to the Premier League.

He however iterated that the priority is to establish a suitable playing style and build confidence through results, as he commented: “At the beginning, the target is to play in the best way we can.

“From there, we can build, day by day, our idea and our philosophy, and the most important thing is to try to win games.

“First of all, we’re going to give 100 per cent, absolutely, because the Club deserves this. It’s our job, our duty to do that. Then, as I said, day by day, step by step, absolutely we’re going to improve.”

Chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha added: “Enzo brings a combination of personality, method and ambition that meets extremely well with the footballing direction we are looking to take.

“His philosophy has been built over a rich and varied career, including an outstanding education as a coach, and fits with the vision we have for this next chapter in Leicester City’s history.

“Enzo’s profile has stood out to us for some time – a feeling that was only enhanced upon meeting him and listening to his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. I have no doubt he will be warmly welcomed by our supporters and that together we can reset the Club’s course towards future success.”