Enzo Maresca: Manchester City are title contenders, but Chelsea aren’t

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has tempered expectations despite his team’s impressive position in the Premier League standings. Ahead of their Boxing Day derby against Fulham, the Blues find themselves second in the table, sparking talk of a potential title challenge.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Maresca played down the hype, stating, “It’s almost halfway, so the table reflects the teams and where they are. Liverpool are doing fantastic since the first day. The squad already lives that kind of moment, it’s important. We are happy to be where we are in this moment.”

The Italian tactician also pointed to Manchester City as potential title favorites despite their current struggles, saying, “I think Manchester City in the end will be there. They are living something that probably never happened before. They have a new injury at the end of every game. It is a very bad situation.”

Maresca concluded by emphasizing Chelsea’s need to stay focused on progress rather than succumbing to external pressure. “It’s the reality for me, not about the pressure. I would like that kind of pressure. I say we are not there because that is the reality for me. The main point is to continue to improve and to win games,” he added.