10 strong reasons why Enzo Maresca is right about Chelsea not being in the title race (Especially NO.2)
Discussions concerning Chelsea’s potential as Premier League title challengers have been sparked by their recent performances. Manager Enzo Maresca, however, keeps a cautious outlook, highlighting the team’s formative stage and the difficulties that lie ahead.
Gabriele Marcotti, a football analyst, concurs with Maresca’s position, saying:
“Having spent a little bit of time with Enzo Maresca, I feel fairly confident that he believes what he’s saying when he insists that Chelsea ‘are not ready’ and ‘are far from [Arsenal, City and Liverpool].’ He’s not just being coy — he’s stating fact.”
Marcotti highlights several factors contributing to this assessment:
Striker Depth: “Whether it’s the lack of a credible alternative to Nico Jackson (Christopher Nkunku is a great player, but a very different one)…”
Goalkeeping Concerns: “…doubts over Robert Sanchez in goal…” (Main point)
Squad Youthfulness: “…or youth (Chelsea are one of the youngest squads in Europe) and inexperience…”
Dependence on Key Players: “…a Cole Palmer dependency that’s waning (but still there)…”
Midfield Depth: “…depth in midfield…”
Organizational Stability: “…the perpetual chaos that envelops the team’s owners…”
He also notes the current league standings:
“…the fact that four points with a game in hand and more than a third of the season gone is still a sizable lead…”
Despite these challenges, Marcotti acknowledges Chelsea’s progress:
“That said, this team is growing in both output and confidence.”
He cites their recent comeback victory:
“Coming back from two goals down in a derby as they did in the 4-3 win against Spurs Sunday is significant by any measure.”
However, he points out that Tottenham’s errors contributed to the result:
“Tottenham made it a whole heck of a lot easier for them, of course, with the two needless penalties they gave away (and which — who else? — Palmer converted) and the way they asked Yves Bissouma to play one-man-gang in the middle of the park.”
Marcotti concludes by recognizing Chelsea’s potential under Maresca’s leadership:
“At this level, any time you squander a two-goal lead at home, fingers will be pointed, and rightly so. But Chelsea have a definite upside that leaves you thinking there’s more to come. And Maresca is showing both flexibility and creativity.”
In summary, while Chelsea’s recent form is promising, both Maresca and Marcotti suggest that the team requires further development and consistency to be considered genuine title contenders this season.