Leicester have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager on a three-year deal.
Maresca has left Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at treble-winning Manchester City to move to the King Power in a bid to help Leicester secure promotion from the Championship next season.
The Italian succeeds Dean Smith, who was unable to save Leicester from relegation last season. Smith was given a short-term contract until the end of the campaign following Brendan Rodgers’ departure in April.
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “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.”
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.”
