Exclusive explains why Chelsea had to send officials to Spain for signing of key figure

In the build up to today’s Chelsea – Arsenal game, Guillem Balague has done a really nice piece for the BBC on Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca and how the club ended up appointing him.

It’s full of interesting details we didn’t know about the Italian coach and his history in the game, including how he was inspired by playing against a Pep Guardiola team back in 2008.

But what we were really interested in was the story of how Chelsea came to pick him as their prime candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino in the summer. It’s easy to forget now that he was a real outsider candidate to start the process, but those in charge knew what they wanted.

Maresca deal sealed in Spain with a handshake

As the piece points out, Thomas Frank, Roberto de Zerbi and Kieran McKenna were all in the race, and at least two of them looked more likely candidates than Maresca at first. But according to Balague, “Maresca ticked all the boxes.”

“The club was looking for a first-team coach with an attractive style, based on possession football, control and domination of the game. They wanted an energetic approach but with the ability to be flexible.”

Chelsea had two meetings – then Maresca told them he was going on holiday with his family. Rather than putting the club off him, it made them want him more. They were “impressed by his priorities.”

In the end, Chelsea sent executives out to meet him in Spain to seal the deal, knowing that Manchester United and other teams were potentially interested. The deal was sealed with a handshake, which showed that the owners “did not want an employee but a partner.”

Those in charge will be happy with his start to the season, but today’s game against Arsenal has a lot riding on it.