Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has bounced suggestions Chelsea are ready to match the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, although admitting that the Blues are improving.
The London side finished 12th in 2022-23 campaign and sixth last season as they missed out on Champions League football but they have began this term in good form as they are fourth with 13 points from six games.
Maresca is mainly tasked with getting Chelsea back to Europe’s premiere competition after he replaced Mauricio Pochettino in June.
“I don’t think we can compete with City and Arsenal. City have worked with the same manager for [almost] nine years, Arsenal for five years,” Maresca spoke to reporters ahead of Sunday’s game against Nottingham Forest.
“If you want to compete, you need that time. It’s a huge difference. I am convinced we cannot compete.
“The target is to improve and to get close slowly. We are not at this moment ready for that.
“You can continue to improve but at the end, the more time you are together, the better it is.”
Chelsea made headlines for sidelining players like captain Ben Chilwell – who has been omitted from matchday squads – and Raheem Sterling – who joined Arsenal.
However, the 44-year-old said the team’s identity was clear after winning five straight games in all competitions with different starting players.
“For the first two months, there was a lot of noise around the club. Hopefully, we can continue with the way we are now.
“I was not here last year. The only thing I can say is since we started, I like to be focused and in control. The only part I can control is the football side.
“All the noises around the club are something I cannot control, I don’t care about it. I’m already thinking about how we can prepare for the game,” he added.
