Enzo Maresca Dismisses Premier League Title Hopes as Chelsea Build for the Future
Chelsea’s resurgence under head coach Enzo Maresca has garnered significant attention this season, with the Blues sitting third in the Premier League table ahead of a crucial clash against Aston Villa. Despite the team’s impressive form—losing just once in their last 11 league games—Maresca has firmly ruled Chelsea out of this season’s title race, emphasizing the need for time and process over immediate pressure for silverware.
A Promising Start Under New Leadership
Maresca took charge of Chelsea in the summer, succeeding Mauricio Pochettino and inheriting a team that finished the previous campaign on a five-match winning streak. Since then, the 44-year-old Italian has overseen one of the club’s most consistent periods since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium assumed control two-and-a-half years ago. Chelsea has won six of their first 12 league games under Maresca, solidifying their push for a return to the Champions League after a two-season absence.
Despite these achievements, Maresca remains cautious about title aspirations, highlighting the gap between Chelsea and long-established rivals such as Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
‘Not There Yet’: Maresca on the Title Race
When asked during his pre-match press conference if Chelsea were contenders for the Premier League title, Maresca was unequivocal:
“No. I said many times I didn’t like the pressure. I didn’t like to say yes we are there, but we are not there. Arsenal are ahead of us, City is ahead of us, Liverpool showing they are ahead of us. The important thing is we improve game after game and then we will see.”
Maresca attributed Chelsea’s current position to the rapid progress his squad has made in adapting to his system. However, he stressed that sustained success requires stability and time—a luxury already afforded to top-tier rivals.
“For me, it is not about points or the table, it is about the process and the programme. Arsenal have five years together, City have nine. Liverpool is different, but they didn’t make too many changes. It’s not about the points difference on the table; it is about the time together.”
Key Fixtures Ahead for Chelsea
Chelsea currently sit nine points behind league leaders Liverpool and one point behind Manchester City. With the top two meeting at Anfield this weekend, the Blues have an opportunity to close the gap if they secure victory against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
Following the Villa clash, Chelsea face a favorable run of fixtures, including matches against Southampton and Tottenham, followed by seven games against teams outside the current top eight. Despite this, Maresca remains realistic about his side’s prospects, focusing on consistent improvement rather than lofty expectations.
“You have to be realistic,” he cautioned. “You can see the difference between us and the rest in this moment. It doesn’t mean we are not going to compete and win games. We will do that to the end. The main focus has to be the feeling we are improving game after game.”
The Enzo Fernandez Factor
One of the highlights of Chelsea’s recent performances has been the resurgence of Enzo Fernandez. The World Cup-winning midfielder, who had been benched for three consecutive league games, made a triumphant return in Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Leicester. Fernandez scored the decisive second goal, showcasing his quality and reaffirming his importance to Maresca’s plans.
Speaking about Fernandez’s role in the team, Maresca praised the Argentine’s adaptability:
“Enzo is doing well since we started. For some games, I take different decisions—it doesn’t mean they are out. The game plan requires different kinds of players, and that’s the reason why sometimes we go for Moises [Caicedo] and Romeo [Lavia].”
A Long-Term Vision for Success
Maresca’s cautious approach reflects a broader vision for Chelsea’s future. Under his guidance, the team has transformed from a bloated and unbalanced squad into a cohesive unit capable of challenging the Premier League’s elite. While he acknowledges the progress made, Maresca remains focused on laying a strong foundation for sustained success.
“It’s not just about this season,” he explained. “The process and programme take time. We are building something that will make Chelsea competitive for years to come.”
Enzo Maresca’s tenure at Chelsea has ushered in a new era of stability and promise, but the Italian tactician is clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. With a focus on process over immediate results, Chelsea fans can expect a season of growth as the Blues aim to reclaim their status among Europe’s elite.
For now, the Premier League title may remain out of reach, but under Maresca’s guidance, Chelsea’s future looks brighter than ever.
