Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has openly explained why his side are not yet genuine contenders for the Premier League title this season, despite flashes of top-level performance. His candid assessment came in the aftermath of a crucial victory over Everton, a result that eased mounting pressure on both the team and its manager at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca’s comments followed what he described as the “worst 48 hours” of his tenure since arriving at Chelsea in 2024. While the Blues secured a much-needed win, the Italian coach used the moment to underline the deeper issues that still separate his side from the league’s elite.
According to Maresca, Chelsea’s biggest obstacle is not a lack of quality against top opponents, but rather an inability to consistently deliver high-level performances week after week.
Pressure Mounts During a Difficult Week at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea defeated Everton 2–0 at Stamford Bridge on December 3, ending a three-match winless run across all competitions. Prior to that result, the Blues had suffered defeats against Leeds United and Atalanta, intensifying scrutiny around the club.
Goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto ensured Chelsea claimed three vital points, restoring a sense of calm after a turbulent few days.
Speaking after the match, Maresca highlighted the mental strength shown by his players during a challenging period.
“This is why I praised the players,” Maresca said. “With so many problems around us, they performed very well after a complicated week.”
He then reflected on the atmosphere surrounding the club in the build-up to the game.
“Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst, because many people were not supporting us.”
Clarifying the ‘Worst 48 Hours’ Remark
Maresca later clarified that his comments were not aimed directly at Chelsea supporters. Instead, he was referring more broadly to the overall pressure and criticism surrounding the team during that period.
“The worst 48 hours since I joined the club were because people were not supporting me and the team,” he explained, seeking to put his words into context.
When asked whether the situation involved internal issues or fan dissatisfaction, Maresca offered a more reassuring response.
“Generally speaking, I love the fans, and I am very happy with the fans,” he said.
The statement underlined that, despite the tension, Maresca views the relationship with Chelsea’s supporters as positive. The Everton win, therefore, was not just about points—it was also a moment to stabilize morale and restore belief within the club.
Consistency Remains the Missing Ingredient
Maresca was clear that Chelsea’s inability to mount a title challenge is not down to struggles against top opposition. In fact, the Blues have produced some of their most convincing performances in high-profile fixtures.
This season, Chelsea have beaten reigning Premier League champions Liverpool at home and recorded an impressive 3–0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League. Those results demonstrate the squad’s potential when operating at peak level.
However, Maresca admitted that such performances have not been replicated consistently against a broader range of opponents.
“Maybe that is true at the moment,” Maresca told Sky Sports. “That is why we are probably not close to the top of the table, because we need to be more consistent against different types of teams.”
Why Consistency Defines Title Contenders
For Maresca, the difference between competing for trophies and falling short is consistency over long periods. He stressed that beating elite teams means little if standards drop in other matches.
“That is one of our main targets going forward,” he said. “We need to improve the way we play against teams like that, while continuing to do the right things against the big teams.”
The Chelsea coach also outlined how he views the structure of a Premier League season. According to him, the winter months are decisive in shaping title ambitions.
“If you want to be there at the end of the season, you have to be consistent. Otherwise, you will struggle,” Maresca explained.
“That is why I see December, January, and February as very important months. After that, in March, you can set targets—and hopefully we will be in a position to fight for something bigger.”
A Long-Term Project Still in Progress
Maresca’s remarks offer a clear and realistic picture of where Chelsea currently stand. While flashes of brilliance against top opposition suggest a high ceiling, the lack of week-to-week consistency continues to hold the team back from genuine title contention.
For now, Chelsea’s focus remains on building stability, restoring confidence, and narrowing the gap to the league’s front-runners. As Maresca has emphasized, only sustained performance over the coming months will determine whether the Blues can eventually transform promise into a true Premier League challenge.
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