Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes it is only a matter of time before his expensively rebuilt squad challenges Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Maresca, who joined Chelsea from Leicester in the offseason, is the club’s sixth manager in a tumultuous period since Todd Boehly’s consortium purchased it in 2022.
The Blues finished 28 points behind winners City last season and have had a turbulent summer as Boehly went on a purchasing spree, leaving Maresca with a dangerously bloated squad.
After leading Leicester to promotion from the Championship last season, Maresca will face a Premier League baptism of fire when City visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday to begin their quest for a seventh consecutive crown.
But the 44-year-old Italian, who was on City manager Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff before his one season with Leicester, believes Chelsea can make life difficult for his former employer if given time.
“For me, my personal opinion, the big difference in this moment between us and other teams that are dominating English football, is just a matter of time,” Maresca told reporters on Friday.
“Clubs that have worked with the same manager nine years, eight years. We’re working with the same manager for one month.
“For sure with time, we are going to close the gap. Hopefully it can happen very soon.”
Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent at the end of last season, following in the footsteps of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, who also failed to last long under the demanding Boehly.
Now Boehly will hope Maresca can emulate Mikel Arteta’s success with Arsenal following his spell learning under Guardiola at City.
He has backed his new boss by signing 10 new players at a total cost of £185 million ($238 million), taking the number of players in Maresca’s squad to 43.
“I’m one hundred per cent sure that this team is getting better, game after game. With time we are going to close the gap on City, Arsenal, (teams) who are dominating English football,” Maresca said.
“I’m quite confident and relaxed in terms of time, because I can see that the team is improving. It’s the only thing that I can control.”
Chelsea’s England midfielder Conor Gallagher, whose proposed move to Atletico Madrid stalled this week, has been training separately from the squad and will not be considered for selection.
The 24-year-old’s move is in limbo after Chelsea’s contract negations with Atletico striker Samu Omorodion reach an impasse.
“Conor is back, he’s training in this moment a little bit apart,” Maresca said.
“He won’t be involved (against City) because, you know better than me, he’s trying to find a solution with the club. We’ll see what happens.
“Hopefully for Conor, his situation is going to finish where the player, the club, the manager, all the people involved are going to be happy.”