Enzo Maresca set to leave Chelsea FC for managerial role at Bournemouth

The lowdown

Enzo Maresca is leaving his role as coach of Chelsea FC's under-21 side to become the new manager of Championship club Bournemouth. Chelsea confirmed the news in a statement on their website wishing Maresca well in his new role.

The details

Maresca spent two years in charge of Chelsea's development squad, winning the Premier League 2 title in 2022, and the Italian is set to take charge of the Cherries as they look to secure an immediate return to the Premier League following relegation last season. The 43-year-old had previously managed in his native Italy with Ascoli, Virtus Entella and Parma, and he will now be tasked with guiding Bournemouth back to the top flight.

Maresca's departure from Chelsea comes at a time of change for the club's academy, with a number of high-profile departures in recent months. Former academy manager Neil Bath left to join Manchester City in the summer, while Ed Brand, Jim Fraser and Joe Shields have also left the club in recent months.

The bigger picture

Maresca's departure is a blow to Chelsea's academy, but it is also a sign of the progress that has been made in recent years. The club's development squad has become one of the most successful in the country, and a number of players have progressed to the first team in recent years, including Reece James, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

It will be interesting to see how Bournemouth fare under Maresca's management. The Cherries have a talented squad, and they will be one of the favorites for promotion this season. If Maresca can guide them back to the Premier League, it will be a sign of the progress that he has made in his managerial career.