Enzo Maresca believes Manchester City will fight their way back into Premier League title contention, while maintaining that Chelsea are not yet genuine challengers for the crown, calling it “just reality.”
Chelsea currently sit second in the league table, four points behind leaders Liverpool, having played one more match. Meanwhile, City, despite winning four consecutive Premier League titles before this season, now find themselves 12 points off the top following a poor run of nine defeats in 12 games across all competitions.
Maresca, who previously worked with Pep Guardiola at City, expressed confidence in their eventual comeback: “Manchester City will be there in the end. They’re in a situation they’ve never faced before, with constant injuries and players not fully fit after returning from setbacks. It’s a tough moment for them.”
Reflecting on Chelsea’s position, Maresca tempered expectations: “We are ahead of our expectations in terms of performance and points, but the focus remains on improving our players and the team as a whole. It’s not about title pressure; it’s just the reality. I hope we’ll face that kind of pressure soon, but for now, we’re not there yet.”
When asked if Liverpool are now favourites to win the title, Maresca responded: “Not necessarily. The table reflects where teams are at the halfway point. Liverpool have done an excellent job and have a squad with experience in winning trophies, which makes a difference.”
Maresca highlighted Liverpool’s advantage in high-pressure games: “Last year, when Liverpool faced Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, the experience gap between the squads was massive. That kind of experience matters, but we’re happy with where we are right now.”
