AFCON 2025
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been nominated for the 2025 Men’s Cruyff Trophy Coach of the Year, joining an elite group of managers announced on Thursday.
The shortlist includes Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique, Napoli’s Antonio Conte, Barcelona’s Hansi Flick, and Liverpool’s Arne Slot.
Maresca’s remarkable 2024/25 season saw him steer Chelsea to victories in the UEFA Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, alongside a strong fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
The Italian, who arrived from Leicester City, has quickly transformed the Blues into a formidable unit, earning widespread praise for his tactical nous.
The winner will be unveiled at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris this September.
Meanwhile, Conte’s nomination reflects his success in guiding Napoli to the 2024-25 Scudetto, sealed with a 2-0 win over Cagliari on the final day, with Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku scoring to clinch the title in a dramatic race against Inter.
Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign against last year’s FA Cup winners, Crystal Palace.
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