Enzo Maresca has snapped back at reporters who made a suggestion to him this weekend that he absolutely does not agree with.
The Italian is getting set to take on Tottenham later this afternoon in a game that has become hugely important really for both sides. Spurs are the home team and they are now in danger of slipping away from a top four challenge after losing 1-0 against Bournemouth in the week.
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And after Maresca’s side beat Southampton 3-1 in their midweek game earlier this week, they are right on the cusp of being genuine title challengers this season, whether the manager wants to play all of that down for now or not. The current league position is a fact, and Chelsea are well and truly up there. Although I do agree that in reality it is probably just too much too soon for this season.
Even still, they are way ahead of anyone’s expectations for them this season right now, not many people even had Chelsea as top four challengers this season.
Chelsea not favourites todayImage
Even with all of the above said, Maresca is refusing to accept that Chelsea are the favourites to beat Spurs today.
‘First of all, the [home] fans are going to be there [in full force], no doubt,’ Maresca said in words picked up by The Daily Mail. ‘And second, we are not favourite, absolutely not. ‘They are playing European competition, like us, we are there. But not because we are second in the table, we are favourite, absolutely not.’
‘I don’t think we need Ange’s experience or Tottenham’s experience to understand things can change quick,’ he said. ‘Every season in football, in England, in Spain, in Italy, every country, things can change quick.’
This is all very true of course as Maresca continues with caution.
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Gary Neville speaking on his podcast.
Enzo Maresca remonstrates with a ref during a Conference League game. (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Gary Neville speaking on his podcast.