Enzo Maresca insists his claim that Chelsea are not in the title race is not an attempt to take the pressure off his players.
The Italian has repeatedly played down the Blues’ chances of winning the Premier League, even though his side head into Christmas in second place in the table, four points behind leaders Liverpool.
Maresca, who did a remarkable job of bringing an element of calm to a club seemingly permanently in chaos before his arrival this summer, said: “It’s reality for me, not pressure. I would like that kind depression.
“I say we’re not there because that’s the reality for me. The main thing is to continue to improve and win matches.
🗣️ “The main thing for us is to try to improve”
Is Enzo Maresca happy with his Chelsea team’s place in the Christmas table? 🔵 pic.twitter.com/RLc9RQUTjE
– Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 24, 2024
We are happy to be where we are – Maresca
Maresca is pleased with Chelsea’s progress, however, although he believes other teams – including declining Manchester City – will be strong for the remainder of the season.
He added: “We are almost halfway there, so the table reflects the teams and where they are. Liverpool have been doing fantastically since day one. The group is already experiencing this kind of moment, it’s important. We’re happy to be where we are right now.
“I think Manchester City will be there eventually. They are experiencing something that has probably never happened before. They have a new injury at the end of every match. This is a very bad situation.
“We are ahead of our expectations in terms of the way we play and the points. For us the main objective is to see how we can improve the players and how we can improve the team.
Maresca happy to have improved Fernandez
Chelsea host west London neighbors Fulham on Boxing Day, looking to get back to winning ways after the 0-0 draw at Everton on Sunday.
They will have to do without midfielder Romeo Lavia who remains unavailable.
Enzo Fernandez will play though, after showing steady improvement in recent weeks.
“It’s good that the players can focus on what they can do and we try to help them,” Maresca said. “With Enzo, we are very happy. We moved him in the pocket for the last half hour [at Everton]. He helps us a lot. It also grows through leadership.
