“It’s the reality” – Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca claims his side is over performing and not in the ‘title race’
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca once again claimed that the club is not in the EPL title race this season, and have been over-performing.
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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca reiterated his view that the Blues are not in the Premier League title race this season, despite remaining in the 2nd position on the table. The 44-year-old moreover, backed Manchester City to recover after Christmas and mount a title challenge.
The Blues have enjoyed a great season. They are comfortably placed second on the EPL table with 35 points, four behind leaders leaders Liverpool. They have won 10 out of their 17 EPL encounters, while also scoring the most goals (37) this season. Chelsea remain way ahead of defending champions Manchester City, who have put on a dreadful title defense. Despite the Blues decent run, manager Enzo Maresca has however, consistently played down the Blues chances of winning the title this season.
Speaking in a press conference, the Italian manager, who joined from Leicester this summer, expressed confidence in Man City’s ability to turn things around. Maresca claimed that Pep Guardiola‘s side would make a comeback after the Christmas break. He blamed injuries as a reason for their recent slump.
While speaking about Chelsea, he also surprisingly insisted that the club has performed way beyond expectations. He highlighted the team’s focus on improvement, while keeping away from the title challenge pressure.
Manchester City at the end will be there. They are in a moment that has never happened before… We are ahead of our expectations, in terms of the way we are playing, and the points we have.
Enzo Maresca on the Premier League title race (H/T Mirror)
?❌ Enzo Maresca: “We are not in a title race and it’s not about the pressure for the players, club or me. For me it's the reality”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 24, 2024
“We ahead of our expectations in terms of the way we are playing and points. I hope one day soon we’ll have the title race pressure!”. pic.twitter.com/7go78sN2KE
Expressing contentment with Chelsea’s performances this season, Enzo Maresca additionally praised league leaders Liverpool for their brilliant run, from the first day of the new season. Nonetheless, the Blues face city-rivals Fulham in the EPL this week, in a massive boxing day encounter.
Enzo Maresca asks winger Mykhailo Mudryk to ‘disconnect’ from Chelsea, amid drug probe
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has reportedly urged winger Mykhailo Mudryk to ‘disconnect’ himself from the Chelsea squad. It comes after the Ukrainian star was most recently suspended by the FA for failing a drugs test. He awaits the outcome of his second ‘B’ sample test.
The 23-year-old had tested positive for meldonium, a prohibited drug that enhances the ability to retain energy. An initial test that confirmed the findings was conducted back in October. Speaking about the situation, Enzo Maresca stated that it would be good for the winger to remain away a bit from the team. Moreover, he pledged the team’s support for the winger, while awaiting the second test results.
At this moment it’s also good he can disconnect a little bit from the situation. The last time I spoke with him, we tried to support him.
Enzo Maresca to Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk (H/T ESPN)
In case Mykhailo Mudryk’s ‘B’ sample comes out as positive, he might face an extended ban of up to four years from playing. The Ukraine international, however, admitted that he did not use any banned substance knowingly. Moreover, he claimed that his sample might also be contiminated.
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Siddhartha Roy
(730 Articles Published)