Enzo's Worry: Foxes' Health Amid Grueling Away Days

In the ever-demanding world of professional football, where fixtures come thick and fast, the well-being of players often takes a backseat. Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca has raised valid concerns over the grueling schedule his team is facing, particularly with their recent away trips.

The Championship leaders, who are chasing an immediate return to the Premier League, faced a daunting challenge this week. After a deflating defeat against Millwall on Tuesday night, the Foxes had to endure a long journey back to their base, arriving at 3 AM on Wednesday morning. However, their respite was short-lived, as they now brace for another lengthy 250-mile trip to Plymouth Argyle on Friday.

Maresca, understandably, is worried about the toll these demanding travels might take on his players. In a candid interview with BBC Radio Leicester, the Italian tactician voiced his concerns, stating, “Absolutely, yes. Absolutely, 100%. But I don’t think people care too much about players, about healthy players. Otherwise, you cannot understand this kind of decision.”

The decision Maresca refers to is the scheduling of these fixtures, with the trip to Plymouth moved to accommodate television broadcasters. While the English Football League (EFL) and broadcasters did consult clubs before making the change, the impact on player welfare seems to have been overlooked.

Leicester and Plymouth are the only EFL sides facing such a condensed turnaround, with the Foxes traveling for both games while the Pilgrims enjoy home comforts. Although several teams that played on Wednesday night are also in action on Saturday, the demands on Leicester’s squad appear particularly excessive.

Maresca’s frustration is palpable as he highlights the relentless nature of their schedule, saying, “Thanks to the organisation we played on Tuesday night, arrived here at three o’clock in the morning, then today we need to travel and we have five hours back from Plymouth. The organisation decided that.”

The Italian’s concern extends beyond just the physical toll on his players. He questions the fairness of the system, asking, “Then if the players don’t perform, they are bad? No, they are not bad, they are human beings and we have played already nearly 50 games this season. They are human beings and people don’t care about that.”

Despite the challenges, Maresca remains determined to see his side through, stating, “We will try to be ready for Friday night to try to finish the season in the best way we can.” However, the underlying message is clear – the relentless fixture schedule and travel demands are taking a toll on player welfare, and more consideration needs to be given to this crucial aspect of the game.

As Leicester City continue their push for promotion, the debate surrounding player welfare and fixture congestion is likely to intensify. Maresca’s candid comments have shed light on an issue that often goes unnoticed, reminding us that behind the glitz and glamour of professional football, the well-being of the athletes should be a paramount concern.