Enzo Maresca insists his claim that Chelsea are not in the title race is not an attempt to take the pressure off his players.

The Italian has repeatedly played down the Blues’ chances of winning the Premier League, even though his side are second in the table at Christmas, four points behind Liverpool.

Maresca, who has done a remarkable job in providing an element of calm to a club that was permanently in chaos before his arrival in the summer, said: “It’s reality for me, not about pressure. I’d love that kind of pressure.

“I say we’re not there because that’s the reality for me. The main point is to keep improving and winning games.”

🗣️ “The main thing for us is to try to improve”

Is Enzo Maresca happy with his Chelsea side’s position in the table at Christmas? 🔵 pic.twitter.com/RLc9RQUTjE

– Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 24, 2024

We are happy to be where we are – Maresca

Maresca is pleased with Chelsea’s progress, however, as he believes other teams – including slumping Manchester City – will be strong for the rest of the season.

He added: ”It’s almost halfway so the table reflects the teams and where they are. Liverpool have been doing brilliantly since day one. The team is already living that kind of moment, that’s important. We are happy to be where we are at the moment.

“I think Manchester City will be there in the end. They are living like never before. At the end of every game he gets a new injury. It is a very bad situation.

“We are ahead of our expectations in terms of the way we play and score points. For us, the main focus is to see how we can improve the players and how we can improve the team.”

Maresca is happy to improve Fernandez

Chelsea will be looking to get back to winning ways on Boxing Day after being held to a 0-0 draw at Everton by west London neighbors Fulham on Sunday.

They will have to do without midfielder Romeo Lavia who remains unavailable.

Enzo Fernandez will play, however, having shown steady improvement over the past few weeks.

“It’s good that the player can focus on what they can do and we try to help them,” Maresca said. “We are very happy with Enzo. We moved him into the pocket in the last half hour (at Everton). It helps us a lot. It is also growing with leadership.