Chelsea were convinced to hire Enzo Maresca due to his 'personality'

Pochettino had initially signed a two-year deal but was dismissed despite guiding Chelsea to a European return and a five-match winning streak at the end of last season.

Chelsea paid 10 million pounds to secure Maresca from Leicester City, where he had been managing successfully.

Club directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart highlighted Maresca's "personality" as a key factor in their decision to bring him in.

"Enzo was somebody we admired and were keen to bring here," the directors told The Telegraph.

"We were really excited by the way he works, aligned with the club and the playing squad, how it's set up to move forwards. And we absolutely see him here for the long term, that's definitely how we see it.

"He's got the personality to manage this club and coach this team, and he's got a strong belief in the playing style, as we have.

"And that's translating to the pitch, it's translating to the players. The players have got a belief in that.

"So, none of us are surprised that he's grasped it quite quickly, but it's early days and we've got to keep that momentum going."

Since his appointment, Maresca has enjoyed a promising start at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League, having won five and drawn one of their first seven games.

Their only defeat came against Manchester City on the opening day of the season.