
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has offered high praise for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, acknowledging their quality and admitting they were the toughest opponents Liverpool have faced this season.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Fulham, Slot reflected on Chelsea’s performance in the 2-1 defeat at Anfield back in October, a game that he believes showcased the Blues’ strength under Maresca.
“It was one of the games, maybe the only game, where I felt the other team was better than us,” Slot admitted. “That’s not to say for the long term they are better than us, but during the game they had more ball possession than us and were threatening us more than any other team until now.”
Chelsea currently sit second in the Premier League table, two points behind leaders Liverpool, though they have played one game more. Despite the Blues’ strong form, Maresca has consistently played down their title chances, focusing instead on building a consistent and competitive team.
Slot, however, didn’t hesitate to highlight Chelsea’s impressive progress under their new manager:
“I’m not there to judge which position they will end in the league table. I have to focus on my own team, but Chelsea have been impressive this season so far, that’s for sure.”
The recognition from Slot reflects the transformation Chelsea have undergone since Maresca’s arrival. While the title race remains tight, it’s clear that the Blues are being taken seriously by their closest rivals as genuine challengers.