Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes his team has the potential to dominate the Premier League in the next five to ten years.
The Italian coach has downplayed Chelsea’s chances of winning the title this season, even though they are third in the league.
Chelsea is level on points and goal difference with Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta.
After beating Aston Villa 3-0 on Sunday, Chelsea moved above Manchester City, who are struggling this season. However, they are still nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Chelsea has spent over £1.5 billion on new players since the club was taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Many of these players are young and signed on long contracts. While this has brought some big names like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Nicolas Jackson, Maresca feels the team is not ready to fight for the title yet.
“The squad is young, with an average age of just 23,” Maresca said. “Because of this, I don’t think we’re in the title race this season.”
Speaking before Chelsea’s match against Southampton on Wednesday, Maresca added, “When I first spoke with the owners, I told them this team can dominate English football in the next five to ten years. The squad’s age and quality are a big reason for this.
“It doesn’t matter who the manager will be in the future. With the talent we have, Chelsea will be one of the strongest teams. We are building something special, and I think we are on the right track.”
Chelsea’s new owners have not set any short-term targets, but they want to see steady progress. Under Maresca, the team is starting to improve after finishing 12th and sixth in the last two seasons without winning any trophies.
On injuries, Maresca shared that defender Wesley Fofana is out with a hamstring problem and will miss “weeks.” Captain Reece James is also sidelined with an injury.
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