Enzo Maresca happy with Chelsea’s victory over Tottenham despite Cucurella’s slip
Image credit: Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that his team has surpassed his expectations this season but believes they are not yet ready to challenge for the Premier League title.
Maresca, who took over in the summer after Mauricio Pochettino led Chelsea to a sixth-place finish, currently has his side in second place, just four points behind leaders Liverpool.
The Blues showcased their resilience in a dramatic 4-3 comeback win against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, overturning a two-goal deficit to secure victory.
Tottenham’s early goals came after Chelsea’s left-back Marc Cucurella lost his footing, prompting Maresca to make a tongue-in-cheek comment about the incident.
Successful hate watch against cucurella pic.twitter.com/tGnU2N768D
— Welé 🏴🇬🇲🐐 (@ZanqeeBHAFC) December 8, 2024
“Arsenal, [Manchester] City, and Liverpool probably don’t slide like Cucurella did,” Maresca joked, referencing the mishap that contributed to Tottenham’s initial dominance. However, he quickly added a serious note: “We are not ready. We are far from these teams, but we focus on day-by-day improvement.”
🔵🆕 New boots for Marc Cucurella. 👟 pic.twitter.com/w069uJufjw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 8, 2024
A Team Ahead of Schedule
Despite downplaying Chelsea’s title credentials, Maresca expressed pride in his team’s progress. “We are ahead of my expectation in terms of the way we play on the ball, off the ball, and in terms of the results,” he said.
The Italian manager emphasized the importance of competition within the squad, stating, “The players know they cannot drop because another player is waiting to come in.”
Tough Competition Ahead
Liverpool’s postponed match against Everton due to Storm Darragh gives them a game in hand over Chelsea, highlighting the intense competition at the top of the Premier League. Maresca, however, remains focused on maintaining his team’s form and discipline.
While Chelsea fans may dream of a title challenge, Maresca’s pragmatic approach ensures that his team stays grounded. With Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool setting high standards, Chelsea’s journey under Maresca is just beginning.