Enzo Maresca insists his claim that Chelsea are not in the title race is not an attempt to relieve pressure on his players.
The Italian repeatedly downplayed the Blues' chances of winning the English Premier League, despite his team entering Christmas in second place in the table, four points behind leaders Liverpool.
“It's reality for me, it's not about pressure,” said Maresca, who did an admirable job of providing calm to a club that seemed perpetually in chaos before his arrival during the summer. “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 keep improving and winning games.”
🗣️ “The main thing for us is to try to improve”
Is Enzo Maresca happy with Chelsea's position in the table at Christmas? 🔵 pic.twitter.com/RLc9RQUTjE
– Sky Sports News (SkySportsNews) December 24, 2024
We are happy to be where we are – Mariska
Maresca is happy with Chelsea's progress, although he believes other teams – including declining Manchester City – will come on strong over the remainder of the season.
He added: “We're almost halfway there, so the table reflects the teams and their position. Liverpool have been doing great since day one. The team is really living this moment, it's important. We're happy to be where we are at this moment.”
I think Manchester City will be there in the end. They are experiencing something that may have never happened before. They have a new injury at the end of every match. It's a very bad condition.
“We are ahead of our expectations in terms of the way we play and the points. For us, the main focus is to see how we can improve the players and how we can improve the team.
Marisca is happy with Fernandes' improvement
Chelsea host west London neighbors Fulham on Boxing Day and will be looking to return to winning ways after a 0-0 draw with Everton on Sunday.
They will have to do without midfielder Romeo Lavia who is still unavailable.
However, Enzo Fernandes will play, having shown steady improvement over the past few weeks.
“It's good that the player can focus on what he can do and we are trying to help him,” Maresca said. “With Enzo we are very happy. We had him in our pocket for the last half hour (at Everton). He helps us a lot. He is growing with the leadership as well.
