Enzo Maresca insists his claim that Chelsea are not in the title race is not an attempt to take the pressure off his players.
The Italian has repeatedly played down the Blues’ chances of winning the Premier League despite his side going into Christmas in second place in the table, four points behind leaders Liverpool.
Maresca, who has done a remarkable job in providing an element of calm to a club seemingly permanently in chaos prior to his arrival over the summer, said: “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.”
🗣️ “The main thing for us is to try to improve”
Is Enzo Maresca happy with his Chelsea side’s place in the table at Christmas? 🔵 pic.twitter.com/RLc9RQUTjE
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 24, 2024
We are happy to be where we are – Maresca
Maresca is pleased with Chelsea’s progress, however, although he believes other teams – including slumping Manchester City – will come on strong over the remainder of the season.
He added: ”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 live that kind of moment, it’s important. We are happy to be where we are in this moment.
“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.
“We are ahead of our expectation in terms of the way we are playing and points. For us, the main focus is to see how we can improve the players and how we can improve the team.”
Maresca happy with improving Fernandez
Chelsea host west London neighbours Fulham on Boxing Day looking to return to winning ways following the 0-0 draw at Everton on Sunday.
They will have to do without midfielder Romeo Lavia who remains unavailable.
Enzo Fernandez will play, though, having shown a steady improvement over the past few weeks.
“It’s good the player can focus on what they are able to do and we try to help them,” said Maresca. “With Enzo we are very happy. We moved him in the pocket for the last half an hour [at Everton]. He is helping us a lot. He is growing with leadership also.”