Enzo Maresca has downplayed Chelsea’s chances of clinching the Premier League title this season, despite the Blues’ strong performances in recent weeks.

Responding to claims that Chelsea could be genuine contenders, Maresca admitted the team isn’t ready to compete at the highest level just yet.

“You can smell that, you can feel that—and that is probably why I said we are not ready because we don’t feel that and we don’t smell that at this moment,” Maresca said in a recent interview.

“Hopefully soon we can be there, but at this moment, I think that is one of the reasons why I think we are not there.”

The Chelsea manager reiterated his belief in a step-by-step approach, emphasising that focusing too far ahead can derail progress.

“I like to convince myself and convince the players that the only way to fight for something or to compete for something is to focus on the day-by-day. Because when you start to think in two days, three days, one month, two months, it’s the beginning of the bad time,” he explained.

Interestingly, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has added his voice to the conversation, suggesting that Chelsea should be part of the title race discussion. Liverpool currently sit atop the Premier League table, four points ahead of Chelsea with a game in hand. Despite this endorsement, Maresca remains cautious about the Blues’ immediate prospects.