Liverpool recently returned from an international break and had to face another lunchtime slot. This one away at Wolves - their 12th such game since Jürgen Klopp moved in as boss at Anfield. At least twice as many as other any team during the same period, and ex-star man in the Red jersey, Emile Heskey, understands the frustration this leads to.
"One thing people don't really take into account is how much flying takes out of you. Everyone knows when they come back from holiday, they need a little bit of a break after that," said Heskey in an exclusive chat with Tribalfootball.com on behalf of Betting Sites.
Having played European nights and over 60 internationals, Heskey recalls only too well the toll it could take on you, physically as well as mentally, playing weekend, midweek, weekend. But you can't allow it to be a problem, according to the current Leicester women assistant coach.
"You have to accept there's going to be a difference in your schedule compared to everyone else's, when you're a team a lot of people like to see. It's not going to change anyway, and they have to figure out how to get themselves going earlier to avoid falling behind."
Liverpool trailed at half-time but came through the away game at Molineux with their first win in a lunchtime match in seven attempts. Does that give their former striker cause for optimism regarding the title race?
"Well, first of all Manchester City are relentless, and I also think there are a few areas that could be addressed for Liverpool. For one, they probably need to get close to 100 points to take the title, and you don't do that if you keep falling behind," Heskey states bluntly about the fact that Liverpool at the time of writing have conceded the first goal in five of their eight outings this season.
SALAH HAS BEEN EXEMPLARY
Despite this, Liverpool has yet to lose, which is not least down to Mo Salah, who, again at the time of writing has been involved in either scoring or assisting a goal in 12 consecutive Premier League matches. At one point the 'Egyptian King' looked Saudi-bound and deserves a lot of credit, according to Heskey, for the way he has handled all the talk about a Saudi Pro League move.
"A lot of players need to look at themselves and use Mo Salah as example. There are ways of dealing with your career and there are ways of not dealing with it. Some go on strike, and that is not the right way in handling yourself. Salah hasn't kicked up a fuss but got on with his business of being brilliant," Heskey continues, before dryly adding.
"But I'm guessing they'll be back for him."
Before moving to Australia late in his career, Heskey never seriously thought of going abroad to ply his trade. Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson came in for staunch criticism for moving to the Middle East, but Heskey can't see anything wrong with players, current or ex, considering taking the Saudi dollar.
"If you've already won something in your career, there's no reason why you wouldn't seriously consider taking that money," Heskey states, while adding he doesn't believe any younger British players will leave for the Saudi Pro League anytime soon.
"Young players won't look further than the Premier League. Yes, you see a few going abroad, but their main objective for doing it is to get game time before coming back to the Premier League."
CRITICISM OF MAGUIRE WAY TOO HARSH
Speaking of criticism, Emile Heskey was often targeted by fans and pundits while playing for England, so what does he think of the stick Harry Maguire receives when he turns out for Manchester United or the Three Lions?
"It has gotten personal. He's done really well for England, but you start looking at players like commodities when in fact they are human beings with a family, perhaps a wife, even kids as well. It has gone too far, but that's where we are as a nation at times."
While on the subject of going "too far", Emile Heskey currently works for Leicester City FC as technical coach for the women's team. As such, he's experienced first-hand what outrage the whole Rubiales-debacle around the Spanish World Cup winners caused.
"It's been a huge talking point, of course. As a human being you've got to understand when you do wrong and fundamentally, I don't think he understood that he did wrong. You don't just go up and start planting a kiss on anyone you feel like kissing. He didn't seem to get that aspect of it," said Emile Heskey, thus ending our chat.
