Despite Manchester City’s surprising slide to seventh in the Premier League table, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is confident the defending champions will fight their way back into the title race.
City, who are currently behind teams like Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Aston Villa, have faced a tough run with injuries and inconsistency.
Speaking at a press conference, Maresca acknowledged City’s struggles but backed Pep Guardiola’s side to rise again.
“It’s almost halfway, so the table reflects the teams and where they are. Liverpool are doing fantastic since the first day. The squad already lives that kind of moment, it’s important.
“I think Manchester City in the end will be there. They are living something that probably never happened before. They have a new injury at the end of every game. It is a very bad situation.”
QUOTES:
Maresca was also reflective about his own team’s progress this season. After finishing sixth in 2023-24, Chelsea now find themselves second, just four points behind Liverpool. However, the Chelsea boss was quick to temper any title race expectations.
“It’s the reality for me, not about the pressure. I would like that kind of pressure. I say we are not there because that is the reality for me. The main point is to continue to improve and to win games.”
“We are ahead of our expectations in terms of the way we are playing and points. For us, the main focus is to see how we can improve the players and how we can improve the team.”
RECALL:
Manchester City’s dip has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. With Liverpool cruising at the top of the table and Chelsea exceeding expectations, City finds itself in unfamiliar territory. However, history shows that Guardiola’s side has a knack for coming back stronger.
Chelsea, on the other hand, continues to impress under Maresca’s leadership, building on a solid foundation after a challenging 2023-24 season.
CITATIONS:
City’s injury crisis has been a major talking point, with Maresca highlighting it as a key factor in their struggles. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s ability to defy expectations and challenge at the top has drawn praise from fans and pundits.
KEEP IN MIND:
The Premier League season is far from over, and the unpredictability of football often turns the tide in surprising ways. While Liverpool leads the pack, and Chelsea quietly climbs the ranks, Manchester City’s resilience remains a looming factor.
Guardiola’s men have the experience to turn things around—and Maresca, for one, isn’t counting them out just yet.
