Enzo Maresca's brilliant foresight could save Chelsea millions amid latest unexpected blow to first team

Chelsea’s preparation for the game against Leicester has been disrupted by the resignation of veteran goalkeeper coach Hilario. The former Portuguese goalkeeper submitted his resignation on Wednesday, with the Daily Mail reporting that the 49-year-old had asked to leave his role.

Hilario is set to join England's backroom staff, which already includes assistant coach Anthony Barry and James Melbourne, the head of performance. Melbourne also resigned from Chelsea last month amid a raid on his former club by Thomas Tuchel.

However, Chelsea might now benefit from a stroke of brilliant foresight. They may not need to spend more money on hiring a new goalkeeper coach, as they are already well-stocked in that department. Michele De Bernardin, who arrived with Enzo Maresca from Leicester in the summer, could now take the lead in the role. He is already involved in the coaching duties and is widely reported to have made a significant contribution to Chelsea's success this season.

Chelsea also still have Willy Caballero, who serves as Hilario's assistant, and Ben Roberts, the head of global goalkeeping, on their books. One of the things that has made the new ownership promising has been their foresight and ability to plan for all eventualities.

At the start of the season, there were doubts about having four goalkeeper coaches in the technical setup, but as the season progresses, this decision appears to have paid off. It now looks like a strategic move that has helped the team.

Maresca is very close to his technical team, and they work together closely, so it will be interesting to see how he readjusts both himself and the entire team now that Hilario is no longer in the picture.

Chelsea have had a solid start to the season, sitting third in the league table going into what is often considered the most important part of the season.