Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has come out to admit that his team is not ready to go toe-to-toe with Premier League juggernauts Manchester City and Arsenal. Though Chelsea has made a fine start to life under the new boss, with the Blues currently in fourth place heading into this weekend’s action, Maresca admitted the reigning champions and Arsenal remain the standard to which they are striving for.
Liverpool currently lead the league, while City and Arsenal are level on 14 points, but Maresca believes Chelsea still have a way to go. “I really don’t think we can compete with City and Arsenal,” Maresca said. “City have worked with the same manager for nine years, Arsenal for five. To compete, you need that time.”
Maresca emphasized that it gets better with time: “It’s a huge difference. The more time you are together, the better it is. We are not ready for that yet.”
For all the improvement Chelsea have made, the manager has his sights set on gradual, not overnight, contention. “The target is to improve and slowly get closer,” he said in conclusion.
While Chelsea continue to rebuild, Maresca is clear about his long-term vision with the club, as it chases some really consistent success in seasons to come.
