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James GoldmanPublished Jun 4, 2024, 11:52am|Updated Jun 4, 2024, 11:53am
Enzo Maresca highlighted a Chelsea outcast as a player he was keen to work with during talks with the club’s board prior to his appointment as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor.
After considering the likes of Roberto De Zerbi and Miguel Amorim, Chelsea eventually settled on the man who masterminded Leicester City’s promotion campaign as their latest hire.
‘To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. It is why I am so excited by this opportunity,’ the new Blues boss said following confirmation of his appointment.
‘I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club’s tradition of success and makes our fans proud.’
Now firmly installed in his new position, Maresca will hope those in senior recruitment roles will make quick progress in their attempts to strengthen a squad that finished last season in encouraging form.
A new goalkeeper was reported to have been a priority, but Maresca is, according to Fabrizio Romano, looking forward to working with Robert Sanchez.
The Spain international joined the Blues last summer from Brighton after the decision to sanction the departures of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalga.
Sanchez made an encouraging start but playing behind such an unsettled defence appeared to dent his confidence before he committed several high-profile errors.
The 26-year-old went on to sustain an injury during a defeat against Everton in December and struggled to win his place back following his return to full fitness with Djordje Petrovic impressing in his absence.
Indeed, Sanchez’s only two appearances after the turn of the year came in the FA Cup wins over Leeds United and Leicester City, but returned to the bench for semi-final defeat against Manchester City.
Chelsea have been linked with moves for various goalkeepers already this summer, including Leicester’s Mads Hermansen, but it appears as though Maresca will give Sanchez a chance to regain his place.
The Blues meanwhile, are in the market for defensive reinforcements following the defeature of Thiago Silva and are close to agreeing a deal to sign Fulham’s Adarabioyo on a free transfer.
A new forward is also a priority but a move of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been put on the back burner due to the likely cost involved and Chelsea could yet resurect interest in Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko.
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