Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insists it is only a matter of time before his expensively rebuilt team challenges Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Maresca, hired from Leicester in the close season, is Chelsea’s sixth manager in a troubled period since Todd Boehly’s consortium bought the club in 2022.
The Blues finished 28 points behind champions City last term and have endured a summer of upheaval as Boehly embarked on a spending spree that has left Maresca with a dangerously bloated squad.
After leading Leicester to promotion from the Championship last season, Maresca will face a Premier League baptism of fire when City visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday to start their bid for a fifth successive title.
But the 44-year-old Italian, who served on City manager Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff prior to his one season with Leicester, is confident Chelsea can make life uncomfortable for his old employer if given time.
“For me, in my personal opinion, the big difference at this moment between us and other teams dominating English football is just a matter of time,” Maresca told reporters on Friday.
“Clubs that have worked with the same manager for nine years, eight years. We’re working with the same manager for one month.“For sure, with time, we will close the gap. Hopefully, it can happen very soon.”
Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent at the end of last season, following in the footsteps of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, who also failed to last long under the demanding Boehly.
Now Boehly will hope Maresca can emulate Mikel Arteta’s success with Arsenal following his spell learning under Guardiola at City.
He has backed his new boss by signing 10 new players at a total cost of £185 million ($238 million), taking the number of players in Maresca’s squad to 43.
“I’m one hundred per cent sure that this team is getting better, game after game. With time, we will close the gap on City, Arsenal, and other teams dominating English football,” Maresca said.
“I’m quite confident and relaxed about time because I can see that the team is improving. It’s the only thing that I can control.”
Chelsea’s England midfielder Conor Gallagher, whose proposed move to Atletico Madrid stalled this week, has been training separately from the squad and will not be considered for selection.
The 24-year-old’s move is in limbo after Chelsea’s contract negotiations with Atletico striker Samu Omorodion reached an impasse.
“Conor is back; he’s currently training a little apart,” Maresca said.
“He won’t be involved against City because, as you know, he’s trying to find a solution with the club. We’ll see what happens.
“Hopefully for Conor, his situation will resolve in a way that satisfies the player, the club, the manager, and everyone involved.”
AFP
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