'This Chelsea is NOT the same!' - Enzo Maresca fires warning to Blues in worrying admission over club's ambitions as trophy drought reaches three years

After a sluggish start to the season, Chelsea appeared to be building momentum, sitting just two points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table before Christmas. However, since then, their form has deteriorated significantly, with only nine points collected from their last eight matches. This slump has effectively ended any faint hopes of a title challenge and instead left them battling to stay in contention for a top-four finish.

Recent defeats to Brighton, Ipswich, Fulham, and Manchester City have further exposed the team’s deficiencies, adding to the frustration of the club’s supporters. Maresca, who took charge last summer, is aware that expectations remain high at Stamford Bridge, given the club’s history of challenging for major silverware. However, he insists that the squad he has inherited is still in transition and not yet at a level to consistently compete on multiple fronts.

“They (the fans) are 100 per cent fair and correct,” Maresca told reporters. “I grew up watching Chelsea winning games and competitions, but this Chelsea is not the same as that one. We are not ready to compete in four competitions in one season in this moment. We were completely unhappy after the (Brighton) game because we like to win, but if there is something positive it is that we can focus on the two competitions that we have now.

"But I completely understand the fans. It’s normal they think in that way. When you have seen your club through the years competing and winning titles, it’s normal that you react in that way. I don’t think this Chelsea can be compared to that Chelsea. Our goal, our duty, is to bring this club to compete in four competitions, but in this moment we are not ready.”

The Chelsea manager has repeatedly emphasized the need for patience, urging supporters to understand that rebuilding a competitive squad takes time. And once again he stressed: "This club for the next five, 10 years can compete for titles no doubt. In this moment we are in a process to arrive in that position.

“But we are not ready after six months together. There are clubs that are together three, four, five years and they still struggle. Why Chelsea after six months have to win the Premier League or finish top four? Why? We are all ambitious. I try to convince the players every day that this club belongs to something different than where we are now.”

Chelsea will have an opportunity to bounce back quickly when they face Brighton again on Friday night in the Premier League. This fixture provides a chance for Maresca’s side to make amends for their FA Cup defeat and regain momentum in the top-four race. Securing three points would boost their Champions League hopes and temporarily silence critics questioning their desire and ambition.