Leicester City have made contact with Enzo Maresca as they explore the possibility of bringing the Italian back to the King Power Stadium following a turbulent Championship campaign. The Foxes are searching for stability after dismissing Marti Cifuentes, with club legend Andy King currently in charge on an interim basis.
Maresca is available after leaving Chelsea on New Year’s Day, ending a short but eventful spell at Stamford Bridge. His previous success with Leicester, where he guided the club to the Championship title and promotion in 2024, has placed him firmly back on the club’s radar.
The 44-year-old had signed a long-term deal at Chelsea in 2024 and delivered immediate results, securing a fourth-place Premier League finish and Champions League qualification. His lone full season also produced silverware, including the Conference League and the Club World Cup, capped by a stunning final win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite those achievements, tensions grew behind the scenes. Maresca publicly expressed frustration at a lack of support from the club hierarchy during a difficult run in December. Results soon dipped, with just one win in seven league matches, prompting Chelsea to make a change and appoint Liam Rosenior as his replacement.
Leicester’s interest comes at a critical moment. The Foxes sit 16th in the Championship after a 2-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic and have won none of their last four league games. Cifuentes paid the price for a run of 11 defeats in 29 matches, leaving the club nine points adrift of the play-off places.
The context adds urgency. Promotion was the clear objective at the start of the season, yet injuries to key players including Harry Souttar, Jannik Vestergaard and Oliver Skipp have disrupted momentum. With the campaign slipping away, Leicester’s hierarchy believe a proven figure could still revive their challenge.
Atmosphere around the King Power has reflected the struggles on the pitch. Early optimism faded as performances became disjointed, with creativity lacking in midfield and defensive lapses proving costly. The recent loss to Oxford United was a turning point, accelerating the decision to act.
Key incidents have repeatedly gone against Leicester. Missed chances at one end and soft goals conceded at the other have defined their season, while narrow defeats have exposed a lack of confidence during decisive moments.
Maresca’s previous reign offers a sharp contrast. His Leicester side dominated matches with controlled buildup play, aggressive pressing and relentless attacking movement. Goals flowed freely during a blistering start that saw 13 wins from the opening 14 games, setting the tone for a title-winning campaign.
In the second half of last season, even when form dipped, Maresca steadied the ship. Tactical adjustments and renewed focus helped Leicester edge past Ipswich Town to claim the Championship crown and an immediate return to the Premier League.
Late drama now surrounds whether he would accept a comeback under very different circumstances. The challenge is steeper, the margin for error smaller, and expectations remain high.
For Leicester, the calculation is clear. Reappointing Maresca would signal ambition and belief that the season can still be salvaged. For the Italian, it would offer a familiar stage and a chance to rebuild momentum after a turbulent end to his Chelsea chapter.
