Enzo Maresca downplays Chelsea's Premier League title question with blunt response

Enzo Maresca insists Chelsea are not in the race for the Premier League title this season despite their impressive performances so far.

The blues They currently sit third in the table after 12 games with 22 points during their first season under coach Maresca.

Only defending champions Manchester City and leaders Liverpool have beaten them in the league during the first three months.

There is a growing feeling that Chelsea could move towards top spot and therefore be a challenge to the first division crown.

However, maresca He does not believe that his team is yet ready to compete for the title given the progression of its rivals.

“No,” he quickly responded when asked by a reporter if Chelsea are in the title race ahead of their weekend clash against Aston Villa.

“I said many times that I didn't like the pressure. I didn't like saying yes, we are there, but we are not there.

“Arsenal are ahead of us, City are ahead of us, Liverpool are showing that they are ahead of us. The important thing is that we improve game after game and then we'll see.

“For me it's not about points or the table, it's about the process and the program. Five years together (Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta), nine together (City, with Pep Guardiola).

“Liverpool (with Arne Slot) is different, but they didn't make too many changes compared to before. It's not about the difference in points in the table, but about the time we spent together.”

Maresca later added: “You have to be realistic. You can see the difference between us and the rest right now.”

“This does not mean that we are not going to compete and win games, we will do it until the end. The main objective has to be the feeling that we are improving game after game.”

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Chelsea return to action against Villa on Sunday after their 2-0 Europa Conference League win against Heidenheim.

Christopher Nkunku scored the first goal to extend his tally to 11 for the season, and Mykhailo Mudryk added an excellent second.

The Blues are just one of two teams in the competition to maintain a 100 per cent record after four matches, along with Legia Warszawa.

Chelsea will need a win at Stamford Bridge this weekend to maintain their place in the Premier League's top four.

They are nine points behind Liverpool and just one behind second-place City, with Arsenal level but behind on goal difference.

However, Maresca's side will drop to fourth in the table on Friday night if Brighton beat Southampton, live on talkSPORT.

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