Chlesea boss Enzo Maresca is refusing to be drawn into talks that his side are Premier League title contenders.
The Blues sit second in the table, seven points behind leaders Liverpool.
Having parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino at the end of last term, many questioned the decision to appoint Maresca, who was in charge of Leicester in the Championship.
But the West London club are flying under their new boss and look formidable, particularly in attack.
Speaking in his press conference, Maresca said: “There’s nothing to add, I said I don’t think we are there and ready to compete with Arsenal, Liverpool and City.
“We have to do many more things good, not just score goals. Avoid conceding goals.
“Defensively we are doing well but we are just focused on Sunday and then the next one.
Sunday.
Spurs 🆚 Chelsea in the #PL. pic.twitter.com/lx9nxlYgKM
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 6, 2024
“We are not thinking about April, May or June. It’s too early. Things can change quick in football. The focus is Sunday, today’s session and tomorrow’s session.”
As Chelsea prepare to face rivals Tottenham, Noni Madueke will be keen to make an impact at his former club.
The winger was publicly criticised by Maresca recently, but the manager says he just wants to make him the best version of himself on the pitch.
He added: “Overall he’s working well since we start. Sometimes he drops a little bit. He’s not allowed to drop. In terms of numbers, he’s doing fantastic with goals and assists.
“Off the ball when we ask him to defend and press he’s doing very well.
“The only reason I said this the other day is because I want the best from Noni and to get the best you have to push him. If he relaxes a little bit, it’s wrong.
“I try to be, not a friend, but close to the players. Sometimes between friends, when you say something wrong to your friend he’s not happy.
“He has to know that what you say is because you want to take care of him.
“The same happened with Reece [James] when I spoke about leadership, it’s because I wanted the best for Reece and for him to improve. For Noni, this is not different.”