Enzo Maresca claims Chelsea are ‘ahead of expectations’ – but maintains Blues are NOT in the title race despite excellent start with his side second in the table

Enzo Maresca has claimed that his Chelsea side are ‘ahead of his expectations’ in their development as a team but still insists the Blues are not in the title race.

The Italian took over at Stamford Bridge from Mauricio Pochettino in the summer after the west London side slipped to a disappointing sixth-placed finish last season.

A summer of chaos ensued with a number of high-profile arrivals and departures as well as a host of players, including the likes of Conor Gallagher, being placed in a ‘bomb squad’ as Maresca looked to trim his bloated squad.

But Chelsea have made a fine start to the season, winning eight of their opening 14 matches leaving them behind only high-flying Liverpool in the Premier League.

They closed the gap on Wednesday night, beating Southampton 5-1 while the Reds played out a dramatic 3-3 draw with Newcastle.

And Maresca heaped praise on his Chelsea outfit ahead of their trip to Tottenham on Sunday but remained cagey on their title prospects.

The Italian has played down the Blues’ title chances, however, despite a fine start to the season

Chelsea have won eight of their first 14 leaving them in the heady heights of second 

He said: ‘In terms of points and how we want to play on and off the ball, I was convinced we’d reach that moment but not so early. 

‘We can do many things better in both situations – attacking and defending. We are ahead of my expectations.

‘It’s because the players are doing fantastic. Probably the reason why is because we focus on the day by day and seeing how we can improve players. No more than that.’

With the Blues up in second, despite mixed expectations ahead of the season, there is a feeling that they could single themselves out as Liverpool’s main competitors.

But Maresca played down any prospect of them lifting the Premier League come May and claimed they are not on the level of last year’s top two Manchester City and Arsenal, despite those sides having mixed campaigns so far.

‘There’s nothing to add,’ he said. ‘I said I don’t think we are there and ready to compete with Arsenal, Liverpool and City. 

‘We have to do many more things good, not just score goals. Avoid conceding goals.

‘Defensively we are doing well but we are just focused on Sunday and then the next one. We are not thinking about April, May or June. It’s too early. 

Arne Slot’s Liverpool remain seven points clear of Chelsea despite drawing with Newcastle

Champions Manchester City went seven without a win and their performances have dipped

Maresca still doesn’t think his side are on the level of Arsenal despite them lying in third

The manager chastised Noni Madueke (second left) for his work rate in the week

‘Things can change quick in football. The focus is Sunday, today’s session and tomorrow’s session.’

The Italian boss also provided an update on Noni Madueke after he told the England international he can be ‘much, much, much better’ following their drubbing of Southampton.

He said: ‘Overall he’s working well since we start. Sometimes he drops a little bit. He’s not allowed to drop. In terms of numbers, he’s doing fantastic with goals and assists.

‘Off the ball when we ask him to defend and press he’s doing very well. The only reason I said this the other day is because I want the best from Noni and to get the best you have to push him. If he relaxes a little bit, it’s wrong.

‘I try to be, not a friend, but close to the players. Sometimes between friends, when you say something wrong to your friend he’s not happy. He has to know that what you say is because you want to take care of him.

‘The same happened with Reece [James] when I spoke about leadership, it’s because I wanted the best for Reece and for him to improve. For Noni, this is not different.’