Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca has been reluctant to admit that Chelsea are in a title race
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer couldn't help but laugh as they considered having a change of heart regarding Chelsea's ability to win the Premier League title.
The Blues have been one of the surprises of the season as they've so far placed themselves among the teams entrenched in a title race, alongside Liverpool and Arsenal.
Given the high squad turnover they've had in recent years and with former Leicester boss Enzo Maresca in his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge, expectations were modest in west London.
However, the five-time Premier League champions currently sit second in the table but failed to surpass Liverpool at the league summit after drawing 0-0 to Everton on Sunday (December 22).
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Among Chelsea's doubters to challenge for the title were Lineker and Shearer who didn't consider the side viable contenders for the Premier League crown.
During a recent episode of their podcast, The Rest is Football, the pair were forced to consider making a major U-turn given the performances Maresca's side have churned out on a regular basis.
The Match of the Day host asked Shearer and Micah Richards whether Chelsea can win their first league title since 2017 to which the Newcastle United legend jokingly answered: "Not according to us three", referencing their prior dismissal of Chelsea of having any chance to lift the title.
Cole Palmer celebrating with Jadon Sancho
Cole Palmer has spearheaded Chelsea into an unexpected title charge this season
Lineker added: "I don't think many Chelsea fans tipped them at the start of the season to win the league" before Shearer explained why he doubts the Blues to pip the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal to top spot.
"In the position they're in, it's very difficult to turn around and say a definite no, I still think they'll have a little blip and I don't expect them to win it, but they're having an unbelievable season," the 54-year-old said.
Richards chimed in and admitted he's enjoying Maresca's denial that his side can win the league as he said: "Well [Enzo] Maresca said they can't win the league because of their defensive errors, I don't know if he's playing mind games here, is he using reverse psychology here, I like what he's doing, the team is performing."
The Italian boss has certainly had an impact on his players with Noni Madueke following in his footsteps and doubling down by claiming he doesn't think his team are in a title race when asked in an interview.
Speaking to BBC, the England international said: "I don’t even know what that is. I don't think so. We are just competing with ourselves, trying to improve and be better every day.
"For that title race talk, what in December? I am not indulging in that. The race hasn't even started. If I had a crystal ball, I'd tell you, but I don't have a crystal ball, so I don't know."
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