Nobody takes Enzo Maresca seriously any more. The Italian keeps playing down Chelsea’s chances of muscling themselves into the title race, but the line is becoming harder to hold. Modesty, after all, does become less believable when analysing a team with the Premier League’s most productive attack, growing bite and control in midfield, an improving defence and a hunger that makes them a match for anyone.
Maresca was not budging before Sunday’s trip to Tottenham. The message remains that Chelsea are ahead of expectations. Maresca’s position is that his young side are not ready to compete with Arsenal, Liverpool and, yes, Manchester City. He believes his players need to suffer more before they possess the mentality required to match the very best over an entire campaign.
