Maresca ‘convinced’ Chelsea cannot compete with Man City and Arsenal | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea are not ready to compete with Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League this season.

An impressive start to the season for the Italian manager has put the Blues in fourth and just two points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Despite recording seven wins from his 10 matches and overseeing 27 goals, Maresca thinks his side need more time to compete with the top teams.

He said: “I really don’t think we can compete with City and Arsenal. I really think that, because we are not ready.

“The reason why is that City are working with the same manager for nine years, Arsenal for five years. It’s something that if you want to compete for important things, you need that time.

“After Arsenal v Paris St Germain [on Tuesday], they asked the same to [PSG coach] Luis Enrique. He said the difference is that Arsenal have had the same manager for five years, [PSG] are one year and a half.

“We [Chelsea] are three months. It’s a huge difference. I’m really convinced that we cannot compete with that club. The target is to improve and slowly, slowly go close to them. But we are not in this moment ready for that.”

Chelsea face Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and will be aiming for their fourth consecutive league win.

Forest’s last visit to Stamford Bridge saw a win for the visitors, as Anthony Elanga scored the only goal of the match, at a time where Chelsea were struggling and only managed one win in six games.

Maresca’s strong start to the season has given many Blues fans hopes that things are looking up for the five-time Premier League champions.

“When you win games it always creates energy, trust, confidence,” Maresca added. “It’s helping the process.

“But the players are the first to recognise when the team plays well or not. The results are helping but they are convinced because they can see clearly the purpose and identity we have.

“Results help [to bring calm]. It’s the reason why it is what it is. For the first two months we had a lot of noise around the club, though I said inside it was quiet. Hopefully we can continue in the way we are now.

“I like to be focused on the things I can control. The only part I can control is the football side. All the noise around the club is something I can not control.”

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