Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has dismissed suggestions that this is his toughest period at the club, insisting that he always expected difficult moments throughout the season.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Brighton, Maresca was asked if the team’s recent struggles made this his hardest spell since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

He responded confidently: “No. No, because I expected a time where we struggle in terms of results. Don’t forget the last Premier League game we won.”

When pressed about his ambitions for the remainder of the season, Maresca maintained his consistent message of focusing on gradual improvement rather than looking too far ahead.

“We will see how we finish.”

He also emphasised his unwavering approach since taking charge, adding:

“The good thing about me is I’m not saying something different to you today that I said one month ago.”

“Since day one, I’ve always said the same: I’m not looking at May or June, I’m looking game by game how we can improve – and only that. We will see at the end of the season.”

With Chelsea aiming to finish the campaign strongly, Maresca remains committed to his long-term vision, refusing to let short-term results dictate his perspective on the club’s progress.