‘Probably Arsenal, City and Liverpool don’t slide like Cucurella did’ – Maresca on defender’s mishap and title chances | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca joked that some of Chelsea’s Premier League rivals would not make the same mistakes Marc Cucurella did while playing down his side’s title hopes despite another win over rivals Tottenham.

Chelsea found themselves two goals down to Spurs after Cucurella had twice slipped, before going over to the touchline to change his boots.

But the Blues came back to win thanks to a double from Cole Palmer from the penalty spot and goals from Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernandez.

Maresca has repeatedly played down his side’s title chances despite sitting second and did so again after their latest victory.

“Probably Arsenal, City and Liverpool, they don’t slide like Cucurella did,” he joked in an interview with Sky Sports.

“Seriously though, we are not ready. We are far from these teams.

“We are focused on the day by day, improving players, improving the team and playing the game. No more than that.”

Maresca says Chelsea’s competition for places is helping them maintain high standards, however.

“The plan and the idea is not to let them slow down,” he said.

“Day by day, in every session, they cannot drop because if one drops then the other one is in behind and ready to play, so they know that.

“Today Pedro Neto was fantastic, last week Noni Madueke was doing the same, and this is what we need from all of them.”