Enzo Maresca plays down Chelsea Premier League title query with blunt response
Today at 12:11 PM
Enzo Maresca insists Chelsea are not in this season’s Premier League title race despite their impressive performances thus far.
The Blues currently occupy third in the table after 12 matches on 22 points during their first season under head coach Maresca.
Only reigning champions Manchester City and leaders Liverpool have beaten them in the league throughout the opening three months.
There is a growing sense that Chelsea could push towards top spot and therefore challenge for the Premier League crown.
However, Maresca doesn’t believe that his side are ready to compete for the title just yet given the progression of their rivals.
“No,” he quickly responded when a reporter asked if Chelsea are in a title race ahead of their weekend clash against Aston Villa.
“I said many times I didn’t like the pressure. I didn’t like to say yes we are there, but we are not there.
“Arsenal are ahead of us, City is ahead of us, Liverpool showing they are ahead of us. The important thing is we improve game after game and then we will see.
“For me, it is not about points or the table, it is about the process and the programme. Five years together [Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta], nine together [City, with Pep Guardiola].
“Liverpool [with Arne Slot] is different but they didn’t make too many changes from before. It’s not about the points difference on the table, it is about the time together.”
Maresca later added: “You have to be realistic. You can see the difference between us and the rest in this moment.
“It doesn’t mean we are not going to compete and win games, we will do that to the end. The main focus has to be the feeling we are improving game after game.”
Chelsea return to action against Villa on Sunday off the back of their 2-0 Europa Conference League win against Heidenheim.
Christopher Nkunku scored the opening goal to extend his tally to 11 for the season, with Mykhailo Mudryk adding an excellent second.
The Blues are just one of two sides in the competition who maintain a 100 per cent record after four matches, joining Legia Warszawa.
Chelsea will need a victory at Stamford Bridge this weekend to keep their spot in the Premier League top four.
They are nine points behind Liverpool and just one off second-place City, with Arsenal level but behind on goal difference.
Maresca’s side will slip to fourth in the table on Friday night though if Brighton beat Southampton, live on talkSPORT.
