Leicester City legend expresses surprise over Maresca’s sudden move to Chelsea
Former Leicester City defender Danny Simpson has admitted his astonishment at Enzo Maresca’s decision to join Chelsea. He remarked, “It’s a bit crazy, to be honest. I was really surprised he left” (via Football London).
While Simpson acknowledges the allure when a top-six club comes calling, he remains taken aback by Maresca’s departure. The Italian coach played a pivotal role in Leicester’s swift return to the Premier League, guiding them back after their relegation to the Championship.
Leicester City officials have also expressed their disappointment at Maresca’s departure, issuing an official statement on the matter. Maresca’s move to Chelsea was confirmed just 10 days after Mauricio Pochettino’s departure from Stamford Bridge.
Maresca’s tenure at Leicester was marked by success, culminating in the Championship title last season, narrowly edging out Ipswich Town by a single point. He began his role at Leicester on June 16 of the previous year and quickly established himself as a key figure in the club’s hierarchy.
Reflecting on Maresca’s decision, Simpson emphasized the coach’s role in Leicester’s achievements and questioned the rationale behind leaving such a promising setup.
“I just don’t understand why anyone would want to leave such a fantastic club. He led them to promotion as champions and had everything he needed to succeed there.”
“No disrespect to Chelsea, but Leicester has excellent foundations with their training ground and facilities. However, we all know the temptation when a bigger club comes calling, whether you’re a player or a manager.”
“On the other hand, look at Kieran McKenna choosing to stay at Ipswich despite interest from Manchester United. It’s great for the players to see that commitment. They’ll be on holiday now, knowing the manager has committed to them with a new contract.”
“At the end of the day, though, we don’t always know the full story, do we?”
Maresca’s strong convictions occasionally led to clashes, but his leadership was instrumental in Leicester’s successful season. Towards the end of the campaign, a meeting convened by senior Leicester players helped secure their promotion.
Leicester is now tasked with finding a suitable replacement, with West Bromwich Albion’s Carlos Corberán reportedly a leading candidate. Corberán has impressed despite financial constraints, guiding Albion to the playoffs last season without spending a penny on player transfers.
Securing Corberán could cost Leicester between £3.5 million and £4 million in compensation, a potential hurdle given their financial situation. However, he fits the profile Leicester seeks in their new head coach.
Despite the upheaval, Leicester remains focused on maintaining their preparations for the upcoming season and ensuring a smooth transition.
