Enzo Maresca insists his claim that Chelsea are not in the title race is not an attempt to take pressure off his players.
The Italian has repeatedly downplayed the Blues’ chances of winning the Premier League despite his team entering Christmas in second place in the table, four points behind leaders Liverpool.
Maresca, who has done an extraordinary job of providing an element of calm to a club that seemed permanently in chaos before his summer arrival, said: “For me it is reality, not pressure. I’d like that kind of pressure.
“I say we are not there because that is the reality for me. The main thing is to keep improving and win games.”
🗣️ “The main thing for us is to try to improve”
Is Enzo Maresca happy with his Chelsea’s place in the league table at Christmas? 🔵 pic.twitter.com/RLc9RQUTjE
– Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 24, 2024
We are happy to be where we are – Maresca
Maresca is pleased with Chelsea’s progress, however, although he believes other teams, including the weakened Manchester City, will bounce back strongly over the rest of the season.
He added: “We are almost halfway there, so the table reflects the teams and where they are. Liverpool have been doing fantastic since day one. The squad is already experiencing that moment, it is important. We are happy to be where we are right now.
“I think that in the end Manchester City will be there. They are experiencing something that has probably never happened before. They have a new injury at the end of each game. It is a very bad situation.
“We are ahead of our expectations in terms of the way we play and the points. For us, the main goal is to see how we can improve the players and how we can improve the team.”
Maresca, happy with Fernández’s improvement
Chelsea host west London neighbors Fulham on Boxing Day, looking to get back to winning ways after a 0-0 draw at Everton on Sunday.
They will have to do without midfielder Romeo Lavia, who is still unavailable.
However, Enzo Fernández, who has shown steady improvement in recent weeks, will play.
“It’s good that the player can focus on what he is capable of doing and we try to help him,” Maresca said. “We are very happy with Enzo. We have put it in our pocket for the last half hour (at Everton). It’s helping us a lot. He is also growing with leadership.”
