Chelsea's Enzo Maresca and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sent clear message over Leicester City return

Leicester City manager Steve Cooper has praised the work that Enzo Maresca has done at both the Foxes and Chelsea ahead of the Italian’s return to his former club on Saturday.

Maresca returns to the King Power Stadium for the first time since his team lifted the Championship title at the end of last season. The summer saw him make the move from Leicester to Chelsea.

He’s led the Blues to third place in the Premier League so far this season, and will look to continue that positive form when he takes on his former team. The Foxes currently sit in 15th place, three points clear of the relegation zone, but have been dealt with an injury hammer blow with exciting winger Abdul Fatawu rules out for the rest of the season.

Ahead of the game, Cooper, who replaced Maresca in the hot seat at the King Power Stadium, has delivered his verdict on the job the Italian did in earning promotion in his one season at the club.

“Enzo did a brilliant job last season in getting the club back up into the Premier League,” he said in his pre-match press conference, via LeicestershireLive . “It’s no easy task for anybody regardless of what the expectations may be at the start of the season.

“He’s gone on and has had more than a strong start at Chelsea. They’re very different challenges, the Championship to the Premier League, and it’s not one you can compare.”

Despite his achievements, Maresca had somewhat of a mixed relationship with Leicester fans. That, plus the manner of his exit means that he may get a mixed reception from the home crowd.

That won't be the case with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who also made the move to Stamford Bridge in the summer. Cooper is expecting a positive reception for the player from Leicester fans, should he feature in the match.

“He went just before we came in,” he said. “I did meet him once or twice here when he was packing up and getting his boots! We did have a nice conversation but it was the first time we’d ever met.

“I know he has a strong affinity to the club and vice-versa. He came through the academy here and broke into the first team, he’s a very good player. I’m sure a lot of people will be pleased to see him because of the time he spent here. That will be respected. But I’m sure him and certainly us are focused on the game.”

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