Enzo Maresca provides response when asked if Chelsea are in the Premier League title race this season

Enzo Maresca gave a cautious response when asked whether Chelsea are genuine contenders in the Premier League title race this season.

Ahead of Gameweek 18, Chelsea sit fourth in the table with 29 points, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal. The Blues have endured a rollercoaster 2025-26 campaign so far and will hope to win more silverware this season after a remarkable 2024-25 campaign.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of their Premier League match against Aston Villa, Maresca said:

“If in February, March we are where we are, probably yes, but now we are still in December, almost January; we’ll see.

Last season, Maresca repeatedly said Chelsea were not in the race for the Premier League title even after they closed the gap to then-leaders Liverpool to two points at a similar stage of the campaign. The interviewer reminded him of his stance last season and asked whether he still feels it is too early for his team to be considered titie contenders.

“Depends on where we are in March,” the Blues boss responded. “Right now, we are competing, we are good, but now January, February, many games, so we need to arrive to March, and then we set the target.”

Maresca took over as Chelsea manager last summer after the club mutually parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino. In just over one year at the west London club, he has won 55 of the 90 games he has managed, giving him a 61 percent win rate. In addition to that, he has guided the club to UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup glory.

Chelsea handed boost as Enzo Maresca confirm return of two players ahead of Aston Villa clash

In good news for Chelsea supporters, Maresca confirmed that Estevao Willian and Liam Delap will be available for their upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa. The Blues were without the duo in their last outing – a 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park. The pair have both trained this week and will be available for selection on Saturday.

When asked about Estevao’s fitness, Maresca said:

“He's back. He's back, he's available for Saturday, him and also Liam Delap.”

Delap picked up a shoulder injury early this month in the first half of a Premier League match against Bournemouth, with reports suggesting that the former Ipswich man would be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

When pressed on whether Delap returned earlier than he expected, Maresca added:

“No, we didn't know exactly for how long he needs to be out, but as I said, he's available for Saturday, he's available also Estevao, so very happy for both.”

The return of both players will provide Maresca with added selection flexibility, especially with talisman Cole Palmer also recently returning from injury.

Edited by Ezekiel Olamide