Enzo Maresca has been appointed as Leicester’s new manager on a contract until 2026.
The former Manchester City assistant has swapped his duties as Pep Guardiola’s No.2 to take over at the King Power Stadium.
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Speaking to Leicester’s website, Maresca said: “I’m very excited because of the club [I’m joining] and because we have a big season ahead of us.
“At the beginning, the target is to play in the best way we can. From there, we can build, day by day, our idea and our philosophy, and the most important thing is to try to win games.
“First of all, we’re going to give 100 per cent, absolutely, because the club deserves this.
“It’s our job, our duty to do that. Then, as I said, day by day, step by step, absolutely we’re going to improve.”
Club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha remarked: “Enzo brings a combination of personality, method and ambition that meets extremely well with the footballing direction we are looking to take.
“His philosophy has been built over a rich and varied career, including an outstanding education as a coach, and fits with the vision we have for this next chapter in Leicester City’s history.
“Enzo’s profile has stood out to us for some time – a feeling that was only enhanced upon meeting him and listening to his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.
“I have no doubt he will be warmly welcomed by our supporters and that together we can reset the Club’s course towards future success.”
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The Foxes made the call after deciding not to continue with Dean Smith, who was unable to save the side from relegation after replacing Brendan Rodgers in April.
The role will be Maresca’s second as a head coach since 15 games with Italian side Parma during the 2021/22 season.
Before that he took charge of two of City’s youth teams, and returned to the club as Guardiola’s assistant coach, and played his part in a historic treble for the Manchester side.
Maresca, 43, had previously worked in the coaching staff of Ascoli, Sevilla and West Ham.
A former central midfielder, Maresca played for 11 different senior teams across a long career, starting at West Brom before winning titles with Juventus, Sevilla and Palermo.
He takes over a Leicester team who will be playing in the Championship for the first time since the 2013/14 season.
Leicester won the Premier League in 2016 before scooping the FA Cup five years later, but they suffered a horror 2022/23 campaign, with the club now poised to lose a number of their key players.
Youri Tielemans will join Aston Villa on July 1, while England midfielder James Maddison and winger Harvey Barnes are attracting interest from top-flight clubs.
