Maresca’s Chelsea Eyeing Title Glory, But Cautiously: “We’re Not Close Yet”
As Chelsea prepares for a showdown against Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday, manager Enzo Maresca is hopeful for a return to the fierce title rivalry the Blues once had with the Reds, but he admits they aren’t yet serious title contenders. “I don’t see, in this moment, Chelsea as close to these kinds of clubs for many, many reasons. For sure we work every day to be closer to that club,” Maresca stated.
The rivalry between Chelsea and Liverpool dates back to the infamous 2005 Champions League semi-final, when then-manager Jose Mourinho accused Liverpool of advancing due to a “ghost goal.” While Liverpool reigned supreme in Europe during that period, Chelsea secured more domestic silverware. The tension between the two clubs has simmered ever since.
Following the 2022 American takeover of Chelsea, the rivalry shifted to the transfer market, where the Blues outbid Liverpool for stars like Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia as part of their billion-pound squad overhaul. But on the pitch, recent title battles have seen Manchester City and Arsenal take center stage, with Liverpool in the mix once again. Chelsea, however, find themselves fourth in the table ahead of the weekend, riding a seven-game unbeaten streak amidst a rare period of stability in West London.
Maresca acknowledges Liverpool’s recent dominance, saying, “Probably in the last five, six, seven, eight years, Liverpool were more contenders with City, they were always very, very close for the Premier League and even Champions League. But hopefully, we can be again both be there competing for titles.”
Despite his caution, if Chelsea were to pull off a victory at Anfield and maintain momentum in their upcoming fixtures against Newcastle, Manchester United, and their return clash with Chelsea, Maresca might have no choice but to see his side in the thick of the title race. “To think where we can be in four games, it is difficult,” he added. “But it’s not this game that is going to define where we are.”
Maresca also reflected on Chelsea’s season-opening defeat to Manchester City, calling it “our best game this season for many reasons,” and highlighted that the team has improved in “different things” since then.
With a tough run of fixtures ahead, Maresca remains focused on the long-term, knowing that one result won’t define the season. However, he playfully suggested that England’s new manager, Thomas Tuchel, should tune in to watch the highly anticipated game, especially to scout his English players in action.
Maresca also displayed his open-minded managerial approach when discussing staff movements, expressing willingness to let performance analyst James Melbourne and goalkeeping coach Hilário explore new opportunities, if they decide to join Tuchel’s coaching team. “We are open-minded in terms of allowing people to take chances and also we are happy to keep people who want to stay,” he said.
As Chelsea captain Reece James returns to the squad after recovering from hamstring surgery, Maresca is cautious about rushing him back into full action. “In this moment, we need to think to use him once a week,” Maresca noted, ensuring that James stays fit for the long season ahead. Meanwhile, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana will miss the trip to Anfield due to suspension.
Chelsea may not be “close” to title contention in Maresca’s eyes just yet, but a victory at Anfield could signal the beginning of something special for the Blues this season.
