Leicester boss Steve Cooper makes claim about Enzo Maresca ahead of Saturday’s match vs Chelsea

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Chelsea travel to the East Midlands this weekend to face Leicester City in the Premier League.

There’s been a two-week pause for the international break, where Chelsea have been able to reflect on a decent opening few months to the season. In fact, they currently sit third in the league table.

Now, the Blues will be looking to cement their spot in the top four when they make the trip to the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

For Enzo Maresca, he’s returning to Leicester for the first time since he left them in the summer to become Chelsea manager. Apparently, Leicester supporters are expected to give Maresca a warm reception, which would be justified after he guided them to promotion from the Championship last season.

• READ MORE: Jason Cundy thinks Enzo Maresca could make Chelsea team selection he doesn’t agree with vs Leicester City

Steve Cooper praises Enzo Maresca impact at Chelsea

Speaking in his pre-match press conference for Leicester versus Chelsea, Foxes manager Steve Cooper has praised his opposite number.

Cooper thinks Maresca was superb at the King Power last year, while also acknowledging he’s done well so far this season at Stamford Bridge.

He said via Leicester’s official X account: “Enzo did a brilliant job last season in getting the club back to the Premier League, that needs to be respected, and it is. He’s gone on a had a strong start with Chelsea.”

Craig Burley rates Maresca’s impact at Chelsea in such a short space of time, especially when it’s come to quickly assembling his squad and getting rid of those he doesn’t need.

There’s already a clear identity and project with the Blues this season, something that’s not existed in previous years.

Cesare Casadei explained Maresca wants Chelsea to play with the ball, which is clear when you watch the team play and build from the back. It’s still an area of their game they can improve in, though.

Enzo Maresca is still in his infancy as a manager

It’s worth remembering that Maresca, 44, is very much still a young coach learning on the job. Therefore, what he’s done in just a few months at Chelsea deserves a lot of admiration.

Here is a look at the Italian’s managerial record so far:

Maresca should expect lots of bumps in the road as the Chelsea boss going forward, but it’s been so impressive how he’s dealt with anything thrown at him.