Enzo Maresca insists his Chelsea side are not ready to battle Arsenal and Manchester City for the Premier League title.
In what was expected to be another season of transition, Chelsea have got off to an impressive start under Maresca and find themselves fourth in the Premier League, just one point behind Arsenal and City and two behind early leaders Liverpool.
Unbeaten in the league since a defeat to City on the opening day, Chelsea are now seen by some as outside contenders in the title race, but Maresca says talk of competing this season is too soon.
“I really don’t think we can compete with City and Arsenal,” the Italian told his latest press conference. “I really think that, because we are not ready.
“The reason why is that City are working with the same manager for nine years, Arsenal for five years. It’s something that if you want to compete for important things, you need that time.
“After Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain, they asked the same to [PSG manager] Luis Enrique. He said the difference is that Arsenal have had the same manager for five years, [PSG] are one year and a half.
“We are three months. It’s a huge difference. I’m really convinced that we cannot compete with that club. The target is to improve and slowly, slowly go close to them. But we are not in this moment ready for that.”
Despite cooling talk of any major success this season, Maresca acknowledged the team’s start to the season had created a feel-good atmosphere around Stamford Bridge.
“When you win games it always creates energy, trust, confidence,” he said. “It’s helping the process.
“But the players are the first to recognise when the team plays well or not. The results are helping but they are convinced because they can see clearly the purpose and identity we have.
“Results help. It’s the reason why it is what it is. For the first two months we had a lot of noise around the club, though I said inside it was quiet. Hopefully we can continue in the way we are now. I like to be focused on the things I can control. The only part I can control is the football side. All the noise around the club is something I can not control.”
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