Enzo Maresca: Chelsea can't compete with Manchester City and Arsenal for 'big things' this season

React to this story

Chelsea have struggled in the Premier League since the takeover led by Todd Boehly, but new manager Enzo Maresca has so far impressed at Stamford Bridge. Despite sitting fourth in the league table, the Italian told the press that he has little confidence his players can challenge either Manchester City or Arsenal this season, insisting he needs more time to work with them.

'We don't have two teams' - Maresca on balancing Chelsea squad depth

Video credit: SNTV

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes his side can't compete with Manchester City or Arsenal this season.

Maresca replaced Mauricio Pochettino this summer before the Stamford Bridge hierarchy oversaw another transfer window of big spending.

Pochettino was let go after failing to find an effective starting XI to consistently meet the expectations of the fans and owners.

Football

Chelsea release statement after Maresca appointment – 'We felt let down'

29/06/2026 at 18:01

However, in contrast to the experiences of former managers Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Pochettino, the Italian appears to have found a system that works for the sizable squad at his disposal.

Chelsea won 4-2 against Gent on Thursday in the UEFA Europa Conference League, and they sit fourth in the Premier League ahead of this weekend’s game against Nottingham Forest.

Three of those new signings were on the scoresheet against the Belgians, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga and Pedro Neto all netting, along with Christopher Nkunku.

Highlights: Second-string Chelsea comfortably beat Gent to open campaign in style

Video credit: TNT Sports

However, Arsenal and Manchester City remain the teams to beat, with Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola expected to go toe-to-toe at the division's summit for a third successive season.

Chelsea are just one point behind Arsenal and City, and two behind current league leaders, Liverpool.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Sunday’s match, Maresca admitted his side are likely to fall short against the two favourites.

“I really don’t think we can compete with City or Arsenal," he said.

"I really don’t think that because we are not ready. The reason is that City has worked with the same manager for nine years and Arsenal for five years. If you want to compete for big things, you need that time.

“After Arsenal beat PSG they asked Luis Enrique and he said the same thing that Arsenal have had the same manager for five years and them only a year and a half.

"Imagine us, only three months… so it’s a huge difference. So I am really convinced we cannot compete with those clubs."

The Blues have made a solid start to the season with 13 points from their opening six games, and most recently claimed a 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

The Italian explained that patience will be key in re-establishing Chelsea as one of the country's top sides.

"The target is to improve and slowly, slowly to get closer to those clubs, but at the moment we are not ready for that.

“There is no timeframe because you can continue to improve and add solutions to things always.”

TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024-25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.

Premier League

Maresca promises to 'maintain' Guardiola's style of football at Man City

29/06/2026 at 19:13

Transfers

Chelsea facing Palmer dilemma, Maresca offers Grealish lifeline - Paper Round

27/05/2026 at 07:09