Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has shown respect ahead of the Blues’ next Champions League clash by hailing Bayern Munich as one of the strongest contenders for the trophy this season.

Speaking in his press conference, the Italian admitted that Bayern’s pedigree and consistency on Europe’s grandest stage make them one of the teams to beat.

Maresca said: “I think Bayern Munich is a team that already showed last year that they are very close and they can compete in this competition, try to win this competition,” the Italian told a press conference.

“This is my personal view. I see them together with three or four more clubs like the favourite one for this competition, but it is my personal view.”