Maresca recalls the bond with his former Leicester players and shares admiration for Vardy’s exceptional talent.
Enzo Maresca has opened up about his time at Leicester and the unforgettable promotion celebrations before his summer move to Chelsea. The Italian manager guided the Foxes to the Sky Bet Championship title last season, securing their return to the Premier League.
In an interview ahead of his return to the King Power Stadium with Chelsea, Maresca fondly remembered the team’s celebrations, particularly the surprise party at his home. After securing promotion, Maresca said the squad showed their strong connection by arriving at his house uninvited at 2am to celebrate together.
“The best gift from last season was when the entire team turned up at my house,” Maresca recalled. “They could have gone anywhere, but they came to me, showing the fantastic bond between us. It was an incredible moment, and I will always be grateful for it.”
Recalling his time as a player, Maresca said he never would have considered visiting a manager’s house to celebrate a victory, which made the gesture even more meaningful to him. “It’s a special feeling when your players want to celebrate with you, especially when they arrive without even knocking, just showing up in the garden.”
This celebration came after Leicester secured their promotion, not through their own match, but by Leeds’ loss to QPR. “I was watching the game at home, and when it ended, all the staff came over, followed by the players. They didn’t even knock—they were outside knocking on the window. I don’t even remember what time they left!”
As for the team’s star player, Jamie Vardy, who continues to impress at 37, Maresca spoke highly of the striker’s abilities. While acknowledging the talents of England’s all-time top scorers, Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney, Maresca said, “People don’t realise how good Vardy is. In my opinion, he’s the best.”
This Saturday, Maresca will return to Leicester for the first time as Chelsea’s manager. However, he will be without Reece James, Chelsea’s captain, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
