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      Tom Heaton tells Rasmus Hojlund ‘I remember my first beer’ as Man Utd star responds to team-mates Instagram post

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      RASMUS HOJLUND was the victim of a cheeky dig from team-mate Tom Heaton following Manchester United’s FA Cup final win.Hojlund came on as a substitute at Wembley as United stunned rivals City to a 2-1 victory. Harry Maguire shared a picture with Scott McTominay and an excited Rasmus HojlundCredit: Instagram harrymaguire93And the celebrations from the red half of Manchester were jubilant with Erik ten Hag’s men enjoying a boozy party. Hojlund posed with a bottle of champagne alongside Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire. United’s third-choice keeper Heaton posted a picture in the aftermath of Ten Hag’s side celebrating with the cup at Wembley. He captioned it: “Winning.” READ MORE ON MAN UTDHojlund then replied: “Biggin.” To which Heaton jibed: “I remember my first beer.”Hojlund – signed by Ten Hag for £72million last summer – ended the season as United’s top scorer on 16 goals. But whether the man who brought him to Old Trafford will remain in charge is unclear, despite Ten Hag making it two trophies in as many seasons.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Dutchman looked to be heading on the way out before the final even kicked off. Former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and unemployed Graham Potter have all been linked. Erik ten Hag’s record as Man Utd bossBut it now appears as though United are at least considering giving Ten Hag another chance to turn things around next season. More

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      Leicester ‘at risk of Premier League RECORD points deduction’ for breaching financial rules

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      LEICESTER are at risk of receiving a Premier League record points deduction next season.The Foxes are awaiting their penalty for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.Leicester could be handed a Premier League record points deduction next seasonCredit: AlamyTheir punishment was avoided last term as Leicester won promotion from the Championship.However, they could now start the upcoming campaign on minus points.According to the Telegraph, the penalty could be anything between six and 15 points.SunSport understands, though, that a 15-point deduction is unlikely but 10 points would still be a Premier League record.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPortsmouth currently hold the record following their nine-point deduction for entering administration in 2010.Both Everton and Nottingham Forest were docked points last season for PSR breaches, receiving eight and four-point penalties, respectively.Meanwhile, Sheffield United will start the Championship season on minus two points relating to the 2022-23 campaign.Leicester’s predicament stems from breaches prior to their relegation in 2023 after nine seasons in the top flight.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe club avoided a points deduction last term after launching a legal case accusing the Premier League and EFL of “unlawfully conspiring” over the charges and asking for an injunction against a penalty before end of the campaign.Manager Enzo Maresca could also leave the King Power Stadium this summer.Jamie and Rebekah Vardy lead Leicester celebrations as thousands flood onto streets for Championship title paradeMaresca is on the verge of replacing Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea manager.The Italian only took over at Leicester last summer before guiding the Foxes to the Championship title.Premier League sides deducted points and others at risk
      Nottingham Forest
      Deducted four points for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
      Everton
      Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Have since been deducted a further two points. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
      Sheffield United
      Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin next season on -2 points should they be relegated to the Championship.
      OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
      Manchester City
      Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
      Chelsea
      Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
      Leicester
      Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction next term if they are promoted back to the top flight. More

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      How Chelsea could line up under Enzo Maresca with manager raiding Man City, Leicester and Napoli to create new team

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      CHELSEA could shape up very differently under incoming manager Enzo Maresca.The Italian, 44, who won the Championship with Leicester this season, is closing in on becoming Mauricio Pochettino’s successor.Enzo Maresca is poised to leave Leicester for ChelseaCredit: GettyChelsea could look like a totally different side under MarescaVictor Osimhen has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford BridgeCredit: RexAnd his arrival could spell a new era at Stamford Bridge through a host more fresh faces.Chelsea have already spent more than £1billion in the two years since Todd Boehly took over the club from Roman Abramovich.But a third change of head coach is likely to spark some ins and outs among the squad.And Chelsea have already been linked with a number of names ahead of the summer transfer window.READ MORE ON CHELSEASunSport exclusively revealed last week that Chelsea are ready to make a surprise £20m bid for Burnley and England keeper James Trafford – who was under contract at Manchester City until last summer.Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is another main target for the Blues as he continues to be linked with a Premier League switch.Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo is also receiving interest from Chelsea.But Maresca could make his mark on transfers outside of those the club have already set their sights on.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTosin Adarabioyo is another name mooted as being of interest to ChelseaCredit: PARico Lewis worked with Maresca before the Leicester boss left the EtihadCredit: GettyLeicester fans won’t miss MarescaBy Graeme Bryce
      It’s fair to say most Leicester fans were not exactly pleading with Maresca to stay.
      OK, they were not queueing up and offering to drive him to Stamford Bridge.
      But there will not be too many tears shed or much wailing at the King Power either.
      The fans’ attitude to losing their incredibly successful boss could be summed up in a word: ‘Meh’.
      Maresca failed to win over the paying public who never really took to his patient, possession-based style of football.
      Having been brought up — some would say spoiled — by the swashbuckling title winners of 2016, with Jamie Vardy spearheading manager Claudio Ranieri’s shock champions, Maresca never really got off the ground at the King Power.
      So it will be interesting to see what Chelsea’s notoriously impatient fans make of Maresca’s ‘death by a thousand cuts’ style of play.
      It was not long before some of the old-school Leicester fans started moaning that Maresca’s patient, play-out-from-the-back style was becoming too boring to watch.
      During a 3-1 win over Swansea which left them ten points clear at the top, there were moans and groans coming from the stands amid cries of, ‘Get the ball forward’.
      Fans accused him of stubbornly sticking to his Plan A — even when it was not working — and claimed he was way too slow to make substitutions.
      But one thing Blues fans can look forward to is his man-management and his attention to detail.
      And the Foxes players also adored their manager.

      Manchester City and England man Rico Lewis could well be an acquisition he looks at following the success of Cole Palmer.Maresca coached Lewis during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesAnd Lewis could look at the rise of ex-Man City man Palmer at Stamford Bridge – 27 goals in 48 games in his first season – as a template for what he could also go on to achieve at the club.Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is another Maresca may look to bring with him to Chelsea after a superb campaign at the King Power Stadium.But the talented playmaker, who was linked with Brighton in the January window, is set to cost at least £35m.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been sensational for Leicester under MarescaCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea reach agreement to hire Enzo Maresca with Mauricio Pochettino’s successor handed mega-contract by Boehly and Co

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      ENZO MARESCA has agreed to become Chelsea’s new manager, according to reports.The 44-year-old succeeds Mauricio Pochettino, who left by mutual consent last week.Enzo Maresca has agreed to become Chelsea’s new managerCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last weekCredit: GettyChelsea had considered the likes of Kieran McKenna, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank for the job.However, Maresca emerged as the overwhelming favourite over the weekend following his success with Leicester City.The Blues will pay Leicester £10million in compensation to formally complete the deal.It is understood Maresca will put pen to paper on a FIVE-YEAR deal – with the option of an extra year until 2030 – before getting to work on stamping his identity on the squad.Read More on FootballThe Italian took over at the King Power Stadium last summer and guided Leicester back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.He won 31 out of 46 Championship games during his only season with the Foxes.Before joining Leicester, Maresca worked for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.He played an important role in guiding the Sky Blues to their historic Treble.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaEnzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

      Leicester midfielder Harry Winks recently hailed Maresca as an “incredible” manager.He told Sky Sports: “He’s by far the best manager I’ve worked for. He’s incredible.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bosses”Everybody will say he’s going right to the top in terms of managerial stature. He’s got everything. He’s a great man manager.”He’s tactically incredible in some of the decisions that he tells us to do before the game and how he views the match is something I’ve never experienced before in football.”Leicester are considering West Brom boss Carlos Corberan as an option to replace Stamford Bridge-bound Maresca.The ex-Huddersfield manager guided West Brom to the play-offs this season despite not spending a single penny on new signings.Corberan’s men fell short, losing 3-1 on aggregate to eventual winners Southampton in their semi-final.However, the energetic Spaniard’s stock remains high and he is regarded as one of the most tactically astute managers in the Championship.Leicester will also have to replace the majority of their backroom staff.Maresca is set to take the five coaches he brought with him to the club down to West London.READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-Chelsea keeper Willy Caballero, who retired to take up the post last summer, is part of his staff.Also expected to make the move are Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez and Javier Molina Caballero.Leicester fans won’t miss MarescaBy Graeme Bryce
      It’s fair to say most Leicester fans were not exactly pleading with Maresca to stay.
      OK, they were not queueing up and offering to drive him to Stamford Bridge.
      But there will not be too many tears shed or much wailing at the King Power either.
      The fans’ attitude to losing their incredibly successful boss could be summed up in a word: ‘Meh’.
      Maresca failed to win over the paying public who never really took to his patient, possession-based style of football.
      Having been brought up — some would say spoiled — by the swashbuckling title winners of 2016, with Jamie Vardy spearheading manager Claudio Ranieri’s shock champions, Maresca never really got off the ground at the King Power.
      So it will be interesting to see what Chelsea’s notoriously impatient fans make of Maresca’s ‘death by a thousand cuts’ style of play.
      It was not long before some of the old-school Leicester fans started moaning that Maresca’s patient, play-out-from-the-back style was becoming too boring to watch.
      During a 3-1 win over Swansea which left them ten points clear at the top, there were moans and groans coming from the stands amid cries of, ‘Get the ball forward’.
      Fans accused him of stubbornly sticking to his Plan A — even when it was not working — and claimed he was way too slow to make substitutions.
      But one thing Blues fans can look forward to is his man-management and his attention to detail.
      And the Foxes players also adored their manager.

      Maresca was Pep Guardiola’s No2 in the Treble-winning season at Manchester CityCredit: GettyChelsea paid £10m to Leicester in compensationCredit: GettyThe Foxes marched to the Championship titleCredit: PA More

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      Wayne Rooney reveals Man Utd legend ‘wouldn’t speak to you for months’ after dressing room fall-outs

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      WAYNE ROONEY revealed getting on the wrong side of Nemanja Vidic would leave you with “months” of silent treatment. Rooney reminisced about his time at Manchester United with former team-mate Gary Neville on The Overlap. Wayne Rooney joined Gary Neville on The OverlapThey revealed how Patrice Evra and a young Gerard Pique – at United from 2004–2008 – were the life of the changing rooms. Meanwhile, former Old Trafford captain Vidic was not one to mess with. Rooney said: “Patrice was always quite lively, a good character. I used to love when him and Vida were arguing. “And Vida was so stubborn, you fall out with him and he didn’t speak to you for months.” READ MORE ON MAN UTDNeville added: “He’d come in like he wanted to kill you every day.” Rooney replied: “Pique was mad as well. I remember him and Patrice had a little bit.” Pique left United with a Premier League and Champions League title to his name but he became a great with Barcelona. Whereas Rooney, Neville, Vidic and Evra were five-time Prem winners together while also lifting the Champions League. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManaged by Sir Alex Ferguson, the group are considered one of the best teams of all time with Vidic a stalwart in the defence.But according to fellow Old Trafford icon Rio Ferdinand, his centre-back partner did not make a great first impression with Rooney. Wayne Rooney breaks silence after being named Plymouth manager and reveals plan to do something he’s never done beforeFerdinand revealed on the Filthy @ Five podcast: “I remember after one session, me and Wazza were walking around. “He said, ‘Who the f*** is this guy?’ He was terrible. Vidic and Evra signed in the same window and he (Rooney) was going, ‘The manager has f***ed it, he’s messed up, I don’t know what’s going on with the recruitment.'”In retirement, Rooney has moved into management and has taken over at Championship Plymouth after being axed by Birmingham in January.Evra has also taken coaching badges and returned to United’s youth set up to begin his newest career. Vidic has enjoyed punditry roles since hanging up his boots as well as Neville, who is a regular for Sky Sports and ITV. Nemanja Vidic with Rooney and Rio Ferdinand in 2012Credit: PA:Press AssociationPatrice Evra and Neville during a 2009 training sessionCredit: Getty More

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      Why Erik ten Hag could soon win Man Utd the Premier League title… if Sir Jim Ratcliffe changes his mind

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      IT is a truth universally acknowledged that ­Manchester United cannot possibly decide Erik ten Hag’s future on the basis of a single match.But why not?Erik ten Hag’s future is in doubtCredit: GettyThe Man Utd boss won the FA Cup at the weekendCredit: GettyWhy not, when that single match saw them win football’s grandest domestic knockout competition by defeating the best team on the planet, thanks to their manager’s tactical acumen.There is no doubt that Ten Hag would have been sacked had — as expected — United lost Saturday’s FA Cup final to Manchester City.But United did win 2-1 at ­Wembley. Ten Hag did outwit Pep Guardiola by setting up his side without a centre-forward.And United did look a ­half-decent team once they had a couple of fit first-choice central defenders — as the Dutchman always argued they would.Read More on Man UtdSo why shouldn’t Sir Jim ­Ratcliffe change his mind on the basis of all that?Isn’t winning silverware what football is about?The vast majority of United fans would have preferred a trophy to Champions League qualification, given a straight choice.And we cannot spend several months talking up the magic of the FA Cup, only to brand the identity of the winners as irrelevant come May.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOf course, United’s campaign has been poor overall — a worst-ever eighth-place Premier League finish, a negative goal difference and finishing bottom of their Champions League group.United’s players admitted their season hadn’t been good enough in an unusual joint statement.Erik ten Hag in blunt three-word response as Man Utd boss is asked whether he’s been treated unfairlyThe managerial situation would be different if Ratcliffe, United’s new football supremo, had a clear vision for the club’s future, with a successor to Ten Hag identified and readied for arrival.Instead, Ratcliffe and Co have been sounding out every Tom, Dick and Harry — from Mauricio Pochettino to Kieran McKenna to Thomas Tuchel to Thomas Frank to Roberto De Zerbi.Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter are also highly-regarded among the collection of green-fingered executives currently on gardening leave at rival clubs before arriving at Old Trafford.Meanwhile, Ten Hag, with two trophies in as many seasons, is left swinging in the wind.There is no bus parade for Erik, just a long wait on a  sunbed for the likely arrival of the Spanish archer.Only Manchester United could manage to win a major trophy in impressive style and finish the weekend looking a complete ­shambles.But that is where we are thanks to Ratcliffe and Co managing to look simultaneously heartless and hopeless in their treatment of Ten Hag.There was no name-check for the manager in the Ineos billionaire’s triumphant post-final statement.Ten Hag was admirably stridentJust as there has been no backing for Ten Hag in the five months since Ratcliffe purchased a 27.7 per cent stake in United and took over their footballing operation.Ten Hag was admirably strident in his post-match ­comments after the final. He has taken a huge amount of flak all season, from ex-players in TV studios and the likes of me, so why not give some back?To paraphrase — if United don’t want him, he’ll go somewhere  else and win trophies as he’d always done; Roy Keane failed as a manager (a brave thing to say to Keane’s face) and the club was a mess when he arrived.All fair points, well made.And while no manager ever wants to rely on the sympathy vote, Ten Hag certainly gained the  sympathy of a vast swathe of United supporters this weekend — as a winner, who is being openly ­disrespected by his bosses.Sir Jim and his new regime were welcomed as liberating heroes by United fans in mid-season — just as anyone  lessening the influence of the Glazers would have been.Yet he has torched much of that goodwill with his shabby handling of Ten Hag’s future.The pros and cons of Ten Hag’s reign have been well argued.His first season was good, his second season was ravaged by an injury crisis, especially in defence.But the £85.5million signing of Antony has been a disaster, the handling of Jadon Sancho — who will contest Saturday’s Champions League final on loan at Borussia Dortmund — is an embarrassment, while United have too often lacked an attacking gameplan.Still, despite such a dismal league campaign and despite so many issues remaining within the squad, United have been presented with a chance to make a genuine challenge for the Premier League title before long.After his arrival, Ratcliffe made  a ballsy statement about wanting  to ‘knock City and Liverpool off their perch’, which was met with widespread derision.But the exit of Jurgen Klopp from Anfield, and Guardiola’s likely departure from the Etihad next summer, will allow the rest of  the Premier League’s wealthiest contenders to hold more realistic title ambitions.The opportunity is there for Ratcliffe as long as he identifies the right manager.And could that manager be  the bloke who has just won him the FA Cup?It’s starting to look like Sir Jim Ratcliffe doesn’t know what he’s doingBy Neil Custis
      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE looked more than a little shame-faced when he headed into Manchester United’s dressing room to congratulate his FA Cup winners.
      The plan had already been hatched ahead of Saturday’s 2-1 win over Manchester City . . .  and this was all rather awkward.
      It was a stunning performance from Ten Hag’s troops and United’s triumph over a team widely regarded as the best in the world will live long in the memory.
      It was also a personal triumph for the unassuming guy who had arrived at Old Trafford full of life and ideas to make United better — which in many ways he has.
      Having been dealt a dreadful hand with injuries in his second season, he tried to explain to Ratcliffe and his team just how much this has affected performances.
      But it seems Sir Jim hasn’t listened. Nor has he taken notice of the way Ten Hag  has carefully brought Saturday’s scorers  Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo into the first team — with spectacular results.
      Ratcliffe has fired out emails criticising  the state of an office, called the club museum ‘crap’ and withdrew travel and lunch benefits for United staff on FA Cup  final day to cut costs.
      There is early proof the new men overseeing United’s football department do not know what they are doing, not least in the way they deal with people . . .  including the most important one of all — the manager.
      Ratcliffe and his team seem to have  spoken to anyone able to set up Subbuteo.
      And everyone they have spoken to believes they have got the job.
      Read the full column from Neil Custis here

      North going south in PremAFTER Leeds’ defeat by Southampton in the Championship play-off final, there will be fewer northern clubs in the top flight next season than  at any time in English league football history.The Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle will be the only five northern sides — as opposed to 11 from the south and four Midlands clubs.Southampton won the Championship Play-Offs at the weekendCredit: GettyFormer top-flight regulars such as the Sheffield clubs, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Burnley, Bolton, Stoke, Wigan and Hull have been wiped off the Premier League map.With northern clubs outside the three major footballing cities struggling to attract the wealthiest owners — and therefore the best players — there is little prospect of any ‘levelling up’ in football’s north-south divide.A step too Far for DanSPARE a thought for Daniel Farke, who is facing the sack at Leeds, despite accumulating 90 points and leading his team to third place and a narrow play-off final defeat.Especially given the career trajectories of the two managers who pipped him to promotion – Leicester’s Enzo Maresca is heading for Chelsea, while Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna attracted interest from the Stamford Bridge club as well as Manchester United and Brighton.And that’s without even mentioning relegated Burnley boss Vinny Kompany taking over at Bayern Munich.Grealish in the partySHOULD Jack Grealish make the England squad for the Euros? Of course he should.Not because Manchester City’s £100million man would get much game time.Jack Grealish was the life of Man City’s title partyCredit: SplashBut because, if Gareth Southgate’s men win the tournament, nobody would be more fun than Grealish on an open-top bus parade.READ MORE SUN STORIESLet him play MurrANDY MURRAY’S straight sets first-round French Open defeat against his fellow veteran Stan Wawrinka has increased calls for the three-time Grand Slam winner to call it a day.If Murray still enjoys playing professional tennis at the age of 37 and without any realistic hope of recapturing former glories, then that is his absolute right.Andy Murray was knocked out of the French OpenCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘If we got a two-year ban, is it worth it?’ – Why Chelsea may be better off PULLING OUT of the Conference League

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      CHELSEA might be better off pulling out of the Conference League next season.And one journalist has suggested the board may have a discussion on the subject after Man Utd’s shock FA Cup final win saw them downgraded from the Europa League.Chelsea were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League at the weekendCredit: GettyBlues chief Todd Boehly has the option of withdrawing from the competitionCredit: GettyThe Blues were demoted to the Conference League following the Wembley clash.A decision will now have to be made on whether or not they decide to accept a spot in the competition.Should they choose to take the opportunity, Chelsea will have to comply with stricter Financial Fair Play rules.And football writer Matt Law stated back in April that he felt the Blues hierarchy may hold talks on the matter.Read More on ChelseaHe told the London is Blue podcast: “The Conference League, they have a decision to make over whether they’d enter it.“Because of the European FFP being different to the English PSR, the chances of breaching European FFP may not be worth taking for the very very miniscule amount of money you can make on playing in the Conference League for a year.“AC Milan. I think, did it one year [the Italians pulled out of the Europa League in the 2019/20 season]. “Chelsea will have a decision to make on that because European Financial Fair Play is harder to meet than PSR.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“You have to weigh up the risk and reward of ‘if we got a two-year ban, is it worth it to play in the Conference League or is it actually worth giving ourselves an extra year to get into a situation where we can get back into Europe, into a better competition, and not be at risk of getting a European ban?’“I don’t think there’s a question on the Europa League or Champions League. I think the Conference League would spark a discussion.”Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesChelsea have spent around £1billion on player transfers over the last two years, meaning they are now at risk of breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.If found guilty of a breach, they could receive a significant points deduction.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaEnzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

      The Blues are currently on the verge of appointing a new manager following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure.Poch left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last week despite having a positive end to the season.Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca is understood to be the frontrunner. More

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      Meet Enzo Maresca, from forgotten EFL youngster and working under Pep Guardiola to Chelsea’s top boss target

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      ENZO MARESCA has gone from forgotten Football League youngster to working under Pep Guardiola and now Chelsea’s top managerial target.The Blues have asked Leicester for permission to speak to their Championship-winning boss as they look for Mauricio Pochettino’s successor. Enzo Maresca led Leicester to the Championship titleCredit: RexMaresca was once Pep Guardiola’s No2 at Manchester CityCredit: EPAMaresca started his career at West BromCredit: GettyIt could bring Chelsea’s search for a new manager to a close with Maresca the latest in the ever-changing Stamford Bridge hotseat. But who is the 44-year-old Italian? Well, Maresca actually started his professional playing career at 18 with West Brom after coming through Cagliari’s youth system.That was despite not speaking any English when he first arrived in the West Midlands. READ MORE IN football In an interview with Manchester City, Maresca recalled: “When you move from, in my case Italy to England directly to Birmingham, you can adapt immediately to the language and to the country.“My English was not so good and also I learned a lot when I was there, though I struggled a bit at the beginning but after it worked quite well.” Maresca had two seasons with the Baggies before moving to Juventus in 2000 for what was a West Brom record £4.5million deal.He played under two of football’s managerial greats in Turin, in Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi.Most read in FootballMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaEnzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.

      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMaresca told SunSport in September: “Ancelotti was just starting his career as a manager but you could see clearly how he wanted to coach. “He was so straight, honest and humble — and unbelievable in terms of relations with his players.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bosses“Lippi was much stronger but fantastic in terms of motivation.”Maresca bounced around Europe playing for Bologna, Piacenza, Fiorentina, Sevilla, Olympiacos, Málaga, Sampdoria and Palermo.He then ended his playing career in 2017 with Hellas Verona in Italy’s second division. Maresca had three years away before returning to football with City’s Elite Development Squad, winning the Premier League 2 in 2021. He also coached current Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia during his time at the Etihad. The tactician had a short spell in charge of Parma before going back to City in 2022 as Guardiola’s assistant. It gave Maresca the chance to learn from the Spanish legend up close and personal, as Mikel Arteta once did before taking the Arsenal job. Maresca joined Juventus from West BromCredit: GettyHe bounced around European clubs, including SevillaCredit: EPAMaresca had a spell with PalermoCredit: GettySo before long it was Maresca’s turn to take the leap of faith when Leicester – who had just been relegated from the Premier League – came knocking. He said at the time: “Coming to Leicester was an easy decision because our ideas are perfectly aligned. “They wanted to change the way they play and refresh things. And the most important thing is that they’re patient.“The club knows sometimes it’s not so quick to change things, they’re aware of that.“When the club is aware and patient, the only target is to realise what you want to realise. “The problem is when people start to get nervous, this can be a big problem.”City recruited assistant managers Carlos Vicens and Juanma Lillo after Guardiola gave his blessing for Maresca to leave.Maresca was once Pep Guardiola’s No2 at Manchester CityCredit: GettyJack Grealish speaking to Maresca in 2023Credit: GettyMaresca left City to become Leicester bossCredit: Getty“From the very first moment Pep knew that I really wanted to go on to be a manager,” Maresca told The Telegraph. “He knew that I think he is the best coach in the world and that I went there to help and work with him. “But he always encouraged me to keep progressing.”Maresca turned the Foxes into a possession-based side who regularly lined up with 4-3-3 or the occasional 4-2-3-1 while being known to play with inverted full-backs. His side went from strength to strength and ultimately pipped Ipswich to the title by just a point.But Maresca’s revolutionary football at the King Power came at the cost of top clubs suddenly taking notice. And for Chelsea, Maresca fits their criteria. Maresca speaking to SunSportCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyMaresca led Leicester to the Championship titleCredit: GettyIt was his first piece of silverware in EnglandCredit: GettyExperienced former Tottenham and PSG boss Pochettino left the club after just one season and a clear falling out with the board. So for the third time under co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, they were seeking a permanent replacement. But the board were not out for a serial winner who would demand a say in the running of the club. Instead, they turned their attention to a young boss with fresh ideas who would do their part to turn things around of the field and leave the rest to the hierarchy. Kieran McKenna – whose Ipswich were just pipped by Maresca’s Leicester – was an early favourite. But Chelsea informed McKenna – a former United coach who is linked with replacing Erik ten Hag – that he was no longer being considered.Maresca became Chelsea’s No1 managerial targetCredit: RexBrentford’s Thomas Frank was another appreciated by the Blues board. But none made as bigger impact than Maresca, who is now closing in on a deal to take over at Chelsea. It will cost the West Londoners around £10million in compensation but the board will feel it is money well spent. They have been encouraged by how Guardiola’s protege Arteta turned Arsenal into title contenders. And Maresca faces an equally challenging task following Chelsea’s underwhelming sixth-placed finish. Pochettino lasted a season, Graham Potter just over half a year and Thomas Tuchel just four months working under Boehly and Eghbali. Now it is just a matter of time until Maresca becomes the latest to try and take Chelsea back to their trophy-laden glory days. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is to be offered a three-year deal – a mark of the Blues’ commitment to make the appointment part of a long-term plan. And Chelsea hope to wrap the deal up in just a matter of days. More