Southampton FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Southampton FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has refuted claims that his side are the favorites heading into their London derby clash with Tottenham Hotspur. The Blues are in fine form and have been unbeaten since October.
The west Londoners' recent form has seen them climb up the table to second, seven points off league leaders Liverpool. On the other hand, their opponents have struggled for form, with two wins and two losses from their last five games.
Speaking about his side's chances, the Italian tactician said (via Fabrizio Romano):
"We are not favourites, I'm sorry. They are playing in European competition like us, we are there but it's not because now we are second in the table that we are favourites - absolutely not."
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The Blues have lost only one of their last five games against the Lilywhites in the Premier League.
Chelsea legend writes off the club in the title race
Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf does not believe his former club are in the title race despite their fine start to the campaign. The west Londoners are currently second on the table after 14 games.
Leboeuf does not believe the side can challenge for the title just yet, saying on ESPN:
“In the title race I still put Arsenal and Liverpool. I think City is going to struggle. I don’t have Chelsea in the title race. Only Arsenal and Liverpool for me. I want to be cautious. Arsenal can react well and if Liverpool start losing points like today.
“They should’ve won that game even if it was a fair result at 3-2 they should have won. Chelsea, I want to be cautious because they are still young players and the confidence can easily lose it because of the inexperience.”
Leboeuf joined the Blues in 1996 from Strasbourg for a reported €3.45 million and made 203 appearances for the club.