Chelsea’s newest striker Liam Delap has opened up on his excitement at working under head coach Enzo Maresca once again, as he begins a new chapter at Stamford Bridge following his move from Ipswich Town.
Delap, 22, signed a long-term deal until 2031 and is expected to compete for a key role in Chelsea’s attacking setup. But for the former Manchester City academy star, this transfer represents more than just a change of clubs – it’s a reunion with a manager who played a significant role in his early development.
The two previously worked together during the 2020/21 season, when Maresca led Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad to their first-ever Premier League 2 title.

Delap was a standout player in that side, scoring a remarkable 24 goals in just 20 appearances.

Reflecting on that season, Delap had nothing but praise for Maresca, saying: “He is an incredible coach and helped us all develop so much. What we did that season was record-breaking, and what he’s gone on to achieve – and what the players in that age group have achieved – is incredible.

“He has a great understanding of the game. He was very detailed in how he approached things with us and while it can be hard at that age to take on so much information, he brought it across in a way we understood and could put into our games.

“I think it’s proved in the years since how much it has helped.”