The Blues team of London, Chelsea Football Club are making progress in their search for a new manager and the intensified effort seems to be drawing to a close with one name in their mind. The Blues’ are reportedly committed to their willingness to offer their preferred candidate, Enzo Maresca, a substantial five-year contract. This decision signifies a departure from the two-year deal offered to the outgoing Mauricio Pochettino, indicating a desire for stability and continuity at the helm.
The Frontrunner: Enzo Maresca’s Impressive Résumé
Enzo Maresca, the current Leicester City manager, has emerged as the frontrunner for the Chelsea job. The club is said to be ready to grant Maresca a five-year deal after securing permission to hold talks with the highly-rated Italian tactician. Enzo Maresca, who is expected to agree to take the job, has risen to the top of Chelsea’s shortlist after an intense weekend of negotiations.
Maresca’s heavy emphasis on possession-based football is believed to align well with Chelsea’s squad, which boasts an abundance of technically gifted players. His pedigree as a prodigy of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City further bolsters his credentials, as does his impressive managerial journey, which includes stints at Parma and Leicester City, where he guided the Foxes to promotion back to the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca Tops other Contender: Kieran McKenna, and Thomas Frank
While Enzo Maresca appears to be the frontrunner, Chelsea has also explored alternative options. Kieran McKenna, the highly-rated Ipswich Town manager, was initially considered but has since cooled his interest in the role and is poised to sign a new deal with the Tractor Boys.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank was another name linked with the Chelsea job, but the club has not progressed with their interest in the Danish tactician. With Enzo Maresca firmly in their sights, Chelsea appears to be closing in on their chosen candidate, one who they believe can integrate the club’s promising young talents while also laying the foundations for sustained success in the years to come.
Job Still Opens Between Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim
While Enzo Maresca’s name has been heavily linked with the Chelsea managerial vacancy, the Blues’ hierarchy would be wise not to overlook another promising candidate: Ruben Amorim. Fresh off guiding Sporting CP to the Portuguese league title, the 39-year-old’s stock has never been higher, making it a surprise that he has not been more heavily linked with high-profile managerial vacancies across Europe.
Amorim’s brand of possession-based football and his ability to nurture young talent align perfectly with Chelsea’s stated desire for their next manager. His impressive achievements at Sporting CP, where he ended the club’s 19-year wait for a league title, have only served to enhance his reputation as one of the most promising young coaches in the game.
Amorim’s Playing Career and Managerial Journey
Rúben Filipe Marques Amorim, born on January 27, 1985, is a former Portuguese professional footballer who played primarily as a midfielder but could also be deployed as a right-back or winger. During his playing career, Amorim spent the majority of his time with Belenenses and Benfica, joining the latter in 2008 and going on to win ten major titles, including three league titles, one Taça de Portugal, five Taças da Liga, and one Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. He also represented Portugal in two FIFA World Cups, earning a total of 14 caps for his country.
Upon retiring in 2017, Amorim embarked on his coaching journey, taking charge of Casa Pia in 2018 before resigning amid a dispute with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). He then joined Braga B as their head coach before being promoted to the first team in December 2019, where he led them to the 2020 Taça da Liga title.
Chelsea’s Transfer Plans and the Road Ahead
However, the new manager’s input will be crucial in determining the specific transfer targets. The departure of Mauricio Pochettino came as a shock, but Chelsea is now moving forward with a clear vision for the future, seeking a coach who aligns with their long-term project and can help develop their young talents while achieving immediate success.
As the managerial search continues, Ruben Amorim’s name should not be overlooked. His credentials as a young, possession-based coach, coupled with his recent success at Sporting CP, make him a compelling candidate for the Chelsea job.
While speculation swirls that Chelsea have finalized their managerial search and drafted a contract for Enzo Maresca, OGM News FC cannot confirm this development as Ruben Amorim’s name continues to be mentioned within the corridors of power at Stamford Bridge. Regardless of whether the Blues appoint Maresca or Amorim, their next manager promises to be a wonderful prospect capable of propelling the team’s agenda towards building a project akin to Pep Guardiola’s at Manchester City.
