Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says his side are not in the title race despite their impressive start to the season.
The Blues sit third in the Premier League, a point behind second-placed Manchester City and nine adrift of leaders Liverpool.
Maresca has worked wonders at Stamford Bridge since arriving from Leicester City over the summer but feels it is too early to consider themselves challengers.
He said: “No. I said many times, I didn’t like the pressure. I didn’t like to say yes we are there, but we are not there.
“Arsenal are ahead of us, [Manchester] City are ahead of us, Liverpool showing they are ahead of us. The important thing is we improve game after game and then we will see.”
Time required, says Maresca
Chelsea host Aston Villa on Sunday but, even if they win that, it would not change his belief that he needs more time with his squad to mould a side that can compete for silverware.
He added: “City lost three in a row but are still second. Arsenal is there. Liverpool is doing fantastic. For me, is not about points or the table, it is about the process, the programme.
“Five years together, nine together, Liverpool is different but they didn’t make too many changes from before.
“It’s not about the points difference on the table, it is about the time together.”
The head coach offers his reaction. 🎤#CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/encEmya2d8
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 28, 2024
Players are focused
Asked if his players shared his opinion, the Italian said: “The players are just focused on day by day, how they work and improve. [If they do that] then we are going to win games.”
Chelsea have lost just two of their last 15 matches in all competitions and last night’s 2-0 win at Bundesliga side Heidenheim saw them maintain top spot in the Conference League.
“It’s nice to see the team improving. It is important, it is nice, a good feeling,” he said.
“At the same time you have to be realistic. You can see the difference between us and the rest in this moment. It doesn’t mean we are not going to compete and win games. We will do that to the end.
“The main focus has to be the feeling we are improving game after game.”
