Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes his team’s defensive issues prevent them from being genuine title contenders despite a thrilling 4-3 comeback win over Tottenham.
The Italian manager downplayed Chelsea’s title chances, emphasizing the importance of day-to-day improvement. Despite the Blues climbing to second place and being just four points off the top, Maresca remains focused on building a more defensively solid team.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill echoed his manager’s sentiments, stating, “When we’re ready to push for a title, we won’t be 2-0 down in the first 10 minutes. That’s the level we need to reach.”
The match exposed defensive vulnerabilities, with Chelsea conceding two early goals before mounting a comeback.
Maresca’s Call for Patience
Maresca reiterated the need for gradual progress, stating, “The fans can dream, but inside, the reality is we’re not ready.
The focus has to be on improving day by day.” The manager also praised the emotional connection with supporters after the derby win, urging fans to continue backing the team in upcoming games.
Football pundit Jamie Carragher weighed in, criticizing Chelsea’s defensive setup, including their goalkeeper and center-backs. He highlighted the absence of standout figures like Ederson or Van Dijk, who are often crucial in title-winning teams.
Moving Forward
While the derby win showcased Chelsea’s resilience, Maresca and his squad remain cautious. With tougher fixtures ahead, the Blues will need to address their defensive shortcomings to sustain their momentum.