Enzo Maresca claims Chelsea can 'dominate' Premier League for 'next five or ten years' - but rejects suggestion his team are title contenders this season

After failing to secure a top-four slot in the last couple of seasons, the Blues have made a strong start under new boss Maresca in the 2024-25 campaign. They have leapfrogged defending champions Manchester City in the Premier League table and are currently joint-second with Arsenal on 25 points from 13 matches.

Chelsea are trailing leaders Liverpool by nine points, and while the situation could change over the next few months, head coach Maresca ruled out the possibility of his team winning the Premier League this season. However, he boldly predicted that the west London side would go on to dominate English football in the next five or ten years due to the average age of the current squad, which is significantly lower than that of their rivals.

Speaking to reporters, the Italian coach said, "We're not in the title race. We are not, in my opinion. What I said to the owners and the sporting directors the first time I met them, because of the age, and because of how good the squad is, for me Chelsea in the next five to ten years will be one of the teams, or the team, that is going to dominate English football.

"This is what I said this to the club the first time I met them. No matter who will be the manager, for the next five or ten years, because of the age, the squad, you can dominate English football, and I still think exactly the same."

He added, "In terms of a target they didn't ask me for any target, only to try to build something important for the next years. I think we are [heading] in the right direction. In terms of a personal target, I know you struggle to believe but I'm not focused on [the] end of season, next season, because it's not real."

Maresca's men, who are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, will be in action in the Premier League on Wednesday night as they take on Southampton away from home. The Saints sit bottom of the table.