Leicester hit out at Enzo Maresca for taking Chelsea job

Leicester say they are “disappointed” in manager Enzo Maresca for stepping down to take the Chelsea job.

Maresca was announced on Monday as the new Chelsea manager, having won the race in the last 10 days to succeed Mauricio Pochettino after the Argentine left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent.

Leicester were promoted back to the Premier League in the 2023-24 season, with Maresca guiding the Foxes to the Championship title in which they pipped Ipswich by a point.

Maresca, 44, had only become Leicester manager on June 16 last year, and the club aimed a swipe in his direction after his exit less than 12 months after taking charge.

A club statement read: “Leicester City Football Club can today confirm the departure of Enzo Maresca from his position as First Team Manager.

“Given the promising foundations established during his single season in charge, the Club is disappointed that Enzo has decided at this stage that he no longer wants to be part of our vision.

“However, with Enzo’s decision made and the Board’s terms for his departure met, we wish him well in his future endeavours. He leaves with the appreciation of everyone at the Club for his work in helping us to achieve an immediate return to the Premier League during the 2023/24 season.”

The statement continued: “Staff members Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javier Molina Caballero and Roberto Vitiello will also be leaving the Club.

“The Board will now commence the process of appointing a new manager that will lead our return to the Premier League and continue the implementation of our long-term vision for the success of Leicester City Football Club.”

Leicester expect to have a new manager in place well before the start of the 2024-25 Premier League season on Saturday, August 17.