Maresca rules Chelsea out of Premier League title race | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has insisted Chelsea are not in contention to win the Premier League title this season.

Chelsea sit third in the Premier League table heading into the weekend after an encouraging start under Maresca’s management. The Blues have lost just one of their last 11 league games, at leaders Liverpool.

Chelsea take on top-four rivals Aston Villa this weekend, looking to cement their position in the Champions League places.

Ahead of the clash, Maresca was asked at his pre-match press conference whether his team should be aiming higher than a top-four finish this season. He ruled Chelsea out of the running and said his squad need more ‘time’ together before challenging for honours.

On if the Blues are in the title race, he said: “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, [Manchester] 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.”

Asked whether he looks at the table and the situations of the sides around the top of the Premier League, the Italian added: “You think that City lost three in a row but still second. Arsenal is there. Liverpool is doing fantastic. Reason why, for me, is not about points or the table, it is about the process the programme.

“Five years together, nine together, Liverpool is different but they didn’t make too many changes from before.

“Not about the points difference on the table, it is about the time together.”

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