Enzo Maresca gives verdict on Chelsea rivalling Man City and Arsenal for title

Enzo Maresca is relishing the unusual tranquillity at Stamford Bridge. However, the Italian head coach maintained that his Chelsea team are not yet primed to make a significant impact at the top of the Premier League table.

The ex-Leicester City manager took up his post at Chelsea in the summer following two years of upheaval both on and off the field after the July 2022 takeover.

He faced a challenging pre-season as Chelsea’s costly and cumbersome squad grappled with his high defensive line and passing approach.

Since then, Maresca has asserted his dominance by loaning Raheem Sterling to Arsenal and sidelining former captain Ben Chilwell. He declared “the identity is clear” after securing five consecutive victories in all competitions with two separate teams.

After making 11 changes for the UEFA Conference League, his Premier League team will resume action against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, currently sitting in fourth place. The usual turmoil associated with Chelsea is temporarily paused.

“I think results always help,” Maresca stated. “For the first two months we had a lot of noise around the club. Inside it was very quiet. Hopefully we can continue in the way we are now.

“I don’t know about last year because I was not here. The only thing I can say is that since we have started I like to be focused on the things that I can control. And the only part that I can control is the football side.

“All the noises around the club is something I cannot control. I don’t know if it is real noise or not, I don’t care to be honest. The focus for me is about Nottingham Forest.”

After his first 10 games at the helm, he further commented: “Since we started, the identity is clear, the purpose is clear. For sure, 100 per cent, we can do many, many things better. I think when you win a game, or sure it’s helping the process.”

The cool and composed Maresca presents a stark contrast to his fellow Italian and predecessor Antonio Conte. However, with Stamford Bridge having a strong Italian tradition, the former Leicester City manager remarked: “Maurizio Sarri was not like Carlo (Ancelotti) – they are a bit different in terms of calm.

“I like the way I am. We are all different. I played for three years as a team-mate with Antonio at Juventus and I know how calm he is!”

At 44, Maresca certainly embodies the stereotypical Italian preference for a solid defence. He was visibly displeased after conceding a late goal in the 4-2 victory over Belgian side Gent.

Despite the Blues netting eight in their last two home matches but also letting in four, he declared: “If you ask me, do you prefer to win 4-2 or 2-0, I prefer we don’t concede a goal.”

Moreover, Maresca was quick to manage expectations ahead of away fixtures against Liverpool and Panathinaikos and two clashes with Newcastle following the international break.

They suffered their only Premier League defeat to a top-tier team against Manchester on the opening weekend.

“I really don’t think we can compete with City or Arsenal,” he admitted. “We are not ready.The aim is to enhance and gradually get closer to those clubs, but at the moment we are not prepared for that.”