Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes his team is on the path to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title, though he acknowledges it will take time. Hired from Leicester City during the offseason, Maresca is Chelsea’s sixth manager since Todd Boehly’s consortium took over the club in 2022.
The Blues, who finished 28 points behind champions Manchester City last season, have undergone significant changes, with Boehly investing heavily in new signings, leaving Maresca with a squad of 43 players. Despite the challenges, Maresca is optimistic that with time, Chelsea can close the gap on City, Arsenal, and other top teams.
“For me, the big difference in this moment between us and other teams that are dominating English football is just a matter of time,” Maresca said. He emphasized the importance of consistency, noting that top clubs have had the same manager for years, while Chelsea is just beginning under his leadership.
Chelsea’s first test under Maresca in the Premier League will be a daunting one, as they face Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. However, the Italian manager is confident that the team is improving with each game and that they will soon be able to compete at the highest level.
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In terms of player movements, Maresca confirmed that Conor Gallagher, who has been training separately from the squad due to ongoing transfer negotiations, will not be available for the City match. Gallagher’s potential move to Atletico Madrid has stalled, with talks between Chelsea and Atletico regarding a swap deal involving striker Samu Omorodion reaching an impasse.
Maresca remains hopeful that a resolution will be found that satisfies all parties involved, allowing Gallagher’s situation to be settled soon.
