Next Leicester manager: New favourite named as Enzo Maresca in strong contention for sensational return
Enzo Maresca has been named among the front-runners for the vacant managerial role at Leicester City.
Chelsea parted ways with Maresca at the start of January, after a series of disagreements between the manager and those above him.
The issues resulted in several public outbursts by the Italian, who was unhappy with the board’s decision-making.
Chelsea have since hired Liam Rosenior, and are on a streak of five consecutive wins across all competitions.
Maresca has been linked with Tottenham, Man United and Man City in recent weeks, but the 45-year-old could be ready to help out his former side, Leicester.
Leicester favourite named as Enzo Maresca odds shorten
Russell Martin was the favourite for the Leicester job, with the Englishman available having been sacked by Rangers in October.
The 40-year-old’s name has been tainted by his time in Scotland for now, however, and the Foxes will be keen to look elsewhere to replace Marti Cifuentes.
| Enzo Maresca | Leicester City |
| Wins | 36 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Losses | 13 |
| Scored | 103 |
| Conceded | 50 |
The Spaniard was dismissed after defeat to Oxford United, but the situation at the King Power Stadium has been made more perilous after Saturday’s loss to Charlton Athletic.
But if there’s one man who knows how to get wins out of a Leicester team, it’s Maresca. There have been rumours that decision-makers have sought to bring their ex-manager back on a short-term deal.
The Italian saw the Championship title lifted at the King Power Stadium in his final match in charge before joining Chelsea in 2024, and he is now available once again.
In recent days, Maresca‘s odds of returning to Leicester have been slashed to 6/1 by one major bookmaker.
Gary Rowett has been named as the new favourite at 5/1, while Martin remains among the front-runners at 11/2.
What Maresca said after leaving Chelsea
Maresca was seen as a long-term coach for Chelsea, and his sudden departure prompted huge outrage among the fanbase.
Ultimately, the Italian had fallen foul of BlueCo‘s youth-focused transfer model, which has seen an extremely young squad maintained at Stamford Bridge.
“I leave with the inner peace of leaving a prestigious club like Chelsea where it deserves to be,” Maresca said after his exit was confirmed.
“A special thank you to all the players who have accompanied me on this wonderful journey,” he added.
The 45-year-old was reportedly the subject of talks with Man City ahead of the potential summer departure of Pep Guardiola, and that move could be revisited.