Arne Slot names Chelsea as top contender to challenge Liverpool in Premier League title race - but Enzo Maresca downplays Dutchman's 'games'

The Anfield outfit have flexed their financial muscle like never before, splashing around £300 million ($407m) in the summer window. Among the arrivals, Florian Wirtz stands out as a blockbuster signing, with the £116 million ($157m) record-breaking recruit billed as one of the brightest talents on the planet. The spending spree strengthens Liverpool’s case for back-to-back titles, but Slot knows that money isn’t the only factor in the fight.

When asked about Chelsea’s prospects during an interview with talkSPORT, Slot didn’t mince his words: "I expected them to win last season already. The amount of quality they have and they were there at the start of the season. They were in [the title race] after ten games. They were still there [in December 2024].

"Squad depth, quality, they have a very good manager as well, and I think they've shown this by winning the trophies they won last season. It was good for us that they also had a period last season where they struggled and that's why they couldn't compete till the end for the league title. But now they're strengthening the team again, so a team that's, in my opinion, one of the ones that are going to challenge for a league title."

But Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca wasn’t about to get swept up in the praise. His response was cool, clipped, and utterly dismissive.

"I don’t pay attention to what other people say about us," Maresca shot back. “It’s easy to say more clubs are involved – I’m not into that game. My focus is on the players, on improving, and people can say whatever they want.”

Pressed on whether Chelsea are better placed to go toe-to-toe with Liverpool this time, the Italian allowed himself a rare nod of approval.

"We are a better team for sure, compared to a year ago," he admitted. "We’ve worked together every day for a season. What we achieved last year was top – fantastic. Champions League, Conference League, the competitions we were in, we did the job. Beyond that, it was difficult to do more. Now it’s a new season, we’ll see."

Chelsea open their campaign at Stamford Bridge on Sunday against Crystal Palace, a fixture they’ll expect to win. Liverpool, meanwhile, will raise the curtain on the Premier League season at Anfield against Bournemouth on Friday night.