Maresca Praises Caicedo Versatility at Right Back but Remains Sceptical About Chelsea’s Title Ambitions
Enzo Maresca’s post-match press conference following Chelsea’s convincing 3-0 win over Aston Villa continued to highlight the manager’s pragmatic approach and commitment to gradual growth.
Despite Chelsea’s impressive performance and climb to a joint position with Arsenal, Maresca was adamant that the team is not ready to challenge for the Premier League title.
Praise for Caicedo and Team Performance
Maresca was full of praise for Moises Caicedo, who played a pivotal role in the midfield, adapting to a hybrid role that balanced defensive responsibilities with attacking support. “We are always looking for balance on and off the ball,”
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Maresca said. “Enzo did fantastic today once again. Moises, again. Today’s game, it’s very difficult to find one of them who was not good. They were all good and that was important.”
Embed from Getty ImagesCaicedo’s ability to step into central midfield and drop back to full-back when needed was highlighted as a strategic advantage. His performance, along with that of Enzo Fernandez and Malo Gusto, showcased Chelsea’s versatile and cohesive team play.
No Title Talk from Maresca
Despite Chelsea’s momentum and growing confidence, Maresca remained steadfast in downplaying any talk of a title race. “I do not agree with [the idea Chelsea are in the title race],” he stated. “We are not ready to compete with Liverpool, Arsenal, and City for many reasons. Just because we won today, I am not going to change my idea. We are not ready for that.”
Also, Read: Enzo Maresca on Chelsea’s Growth: Why We’re Not Ready for Premier League Title Yet
Maresca emphasized that while Chelsea is showing significant improvement, the squad needs to continue gaining experience and consistency to reach the top tier of English football. “The good thing is we are improving. Soon, hopefully we can be there,” he added, reinforcing his cautious but optimistic outlook.
Realistic Approach
This approach makes sense, as Maresca is mindful of avoiding inflated expectations. The Chelsea manager is acutely aware that the journey from contender to champion is fraught with challenges, and he wants to ensure his team stays focused and grounded.
However, should Chelsea continue to close the gap on the top spots, Maresca’s reticence may start to sound increasingly implausible. Yet for now, the manager’s mantra remains the same: steady progress and the right balance, both on and off the field.
Maresca Praises Caicedo Versatility at Right Back but Remains Sceptical About Chelsea’s Title Ambitions
