Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca refuses to be drawn into talk of his side being Premier League title contenders.
The Blues are 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 side are flying under their new boss and looking formidable, particularly in attack.
Speaking at his press conference, Maresca said: “There’s nothing to add, I said I don’t think we’re there and ready to compete with Arsenal, Liverpool and City.
“We have to do a lot more things well, not just score goals. Avoid conceding goals.
“Defensively we are doing well, but we are only focused on Sunday and then the next.
Sunday.
Spurs 🆚 Chelsea at #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 quickly in football. The focus is on Sunday, today and tomorrow’s session.”
As Chelsea prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur, Noni Madueke will be looking to make an impact on his former club.
The winger has been publicly criticized by Maresca recently, but the manager says he just wants to make him the best version of himself on the pitch.
He added: “In general it has been working well since we started. Sometimes it falls a little. He is not allowed to fall. In terms of numbers, he is doing fantastic with goals and assists.
“Off the ball when we ask him to defend and press he does very well.
“The only reason I said that the other day is because I want the best from Noni and to get the best you have to push him. If it relaxes a little, 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 is not happy.
“He needs to know that what you’re saying is because you want to take care of him.
“The same thing happened with Reese (James) when I talked about leadership, it’s because I wanted the best for Reese and for him to improve. For Noni, this is no different.”
