Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca states that Blues CANNOT compete with Manchester City and Arsenal for Premier League title

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca stated that the Blues cannot compete with Manchester City and Arsenal for the EPL titles this season.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca states that Blues CANNOT compete with Manchester City and Arsenal for Premier League title

Enzo Maresca stated that Chelsea are not ready to compete for the EPL titles, with Man City and Arsenal. (via HIT)

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca surprisingly stated that the Blues cannot compete with Manchester City and Arsenal for the EPL title this season. This statement comes despite the club having enjoyed a brilliant start to the new season. 

Enzo Maresca joined Chelsea this summer from Leicester City, taking over the reins from Mauricio Pochettino. Under the Italian manager, the Blues have won seven out of their first ten matches and are currently in 4th position on the EPL table with 13 points, two behind table-toppers Liverpool. So far, the club has also performed well on the pitch, scoring 27 goals till now.

YouTube video

They failed to score in just one match this season, which was during their EPL opener against Manchester City. Despite their current form, Maresca insisted that fans should not get carried away, while brushing aside their chances of winning any silverware this season.

FS Video

He stated that Chelsea cannot compete with the ‘big teams’, owing to the fact that they are not ready and need more time. Moreover, he highlighted the difference in the managerial tenures of Man City’s Pep Guardiola (9 years) and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta (5 years) to his, stating that his target is to improve and slowly move closer to the top teams. 

I really don’t think we can compete with City or Arsenal. The reason is that City has worked with the same manager for nine years and Arsenal for five years. Imagine us, only three months… so it’s a huge difference.

Enzo Maresca to reporters (H/T BBC)

This was in line with Maresca’s previous comments on the club’s title-winning chances, when he stated that there was no pressure from the Chelsea management to win a trophy. Meanwhile, Chelsea faces Nottingham Forest next, before the international break.

Chelsea midfielder Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall hails manager Enzo Maresca after goal against Genk 

Enzo Maresca was hailed by Chelsea midfielder Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall after scoring his first goal for the club during a 4-2 win over Genk in the Conference League. He stated that the manager was a ‘breath of fresh air’ and had helped him rise through his career. 

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on Enzo Maresca
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall hailed Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, after scoring debut goal for the club (via Football London)

Dewsbury-Hall followed Maresca to Chelsea this summer from Leicester City. Having featured in seven matches for the Blues, the Englishman scored his debut goal against Genk. Speaking after the match, the 26-year-old midfielder delightfully stated that Maresca was the most passionate and motivated manager he had ever played under and also highlighted the relationship he shares with him. 

He [Enzo Maresca] is a breath of fresh air. I was taken aback by him last year. Everything he did was passionate and motivated. You can see the lads are buying into it.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on Enzo Maresca (H/T Bein Sports)

Maresca was equally enthused after Dewsbury-Hall’s goal in the 70th minute of the match, as he celebrated by jumping. However, despite the goal, the midfielder might have to fight for his place in the starting XI.