Breaking News: Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca faces task ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hated

This weekend, Chelsea will make their Premier League comeback when they visit the King Power Stadium to play Leicester City in Saturday’s early kickoff.

After an international break, Chelsea will play at 12.30 p.m., a challenge no manager enjoys. The Blues have little time to get ready for their match against Leicester City on Saturday afternoon since players return at varying times depending on their national schedules.

Not all of Enzo Maresca’s team has returned yet, but he will be leading a sizable contingent at Cobham. Both Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, who are now serving overseas in South America, are anticipated to return today (Thursday).

It’s unclear if they’ll be prepared for appropriate training sessions. Premier League managers have been complaining about this a lot lately because TV broadcasters’ schedules frequently cause Saturday kickoffs to occur at 12.30pm (UK time).

The former Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, was particularly critical of this early start time. But with three of their past five victories, Chelsea has a solid record in these early post-international break games.

It’s interesting to note that two of those wins came against Leicester.

COLUMBUS, OHIO – AUGUST 2: Head Coach Enzo Maresca of Chelsea speaks during a press conference at Lower.com Field on August 2, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Nearly three years ago today, in November 2021, Chelsea won 3-0 at the King Power Stadium, marking the last time this situation occurred. Christian Pulisic, N’Golo Kante, and Antonio Rudiger scored the visitors’ goals.

Before that, Tammy Abraham’s goal and Federico Fernandez’s own goal helped Chelsea defeat Newcastle United 2-0 on Tyneside.

But Chelsea’s 5-2 loss to West Bromwich Albion in April 2021 was their only loss in their previous five 12.30 kickoffs after an international break.

Pulisic had taken the lead early on, but West Brom rallied thanks to goals from Matheus Pereira, Callum Robinson, and Mbaye Diagne after Thiago Silva was sent off. Mason Mount’s goal in the second half was only

Ross Barkley’s late equaliser at Stamford Bridge helped Chelsea tie with Manchester United almost two and a half years ago. Rudiger had opened the score in the second half, and Anthony Martial had given United a 2-1 advantage.

The other Leicester triumph took place at Stamford Bridge in October 2016, which was Chelsea’s final season of winning the Premier League. Antonio Conte’s West Londoners won 3-0 thanks to goals from Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, and Victor Moses.

A similar result this Saturday would please Maresca.