Enzo Maresca has downplayed Chelsea’s chances of challenging Arsenal and Manchester City for the Premier League title, stating that his side is not yet ready to compete at that level.
Despite a surprisingly strong start to the season, with Chelsea sitting fourth in the table—just one point behind Arsenal and City and two behind leaders Liverpool—Maresca believes it’s too early to consider them as genuine title contenders.
“I don’t think we can compete with City and Arsenal,” Maresca said in a press conference. “We are not ready. City have had the same manager for nine years, Arsenal for five. Competing for important things requires that kind of time.”
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He compared Chelsea’s situation to that of Paris Saint-Germain, where manager Luis Enrique noted the difference in stability between his team and Arsenal, saying that while PSG have had only a year and a half under their current manager, Arsenal have had five years of consistency.
“We’ve only had three months,” Maresca continued. “It’s a huge difference. The goal is to improve and gradually get closer to those clubs, but right now, we’re not ready.”
Despite managing expectations, Maresca acknowledged that Chelsea’s impressive start has generated positive energy at Stamford Bridge.
“Winning games always brings energy, trust, and confidence,” he said. “The players can clearly see the purpose and identity of the team. The results are helping, but we are focused on controlling what we can—the football. All the noise around the club is something I can’t control.”