Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca reveals he is NOT expected to secure a Champions League place this season as he insists Blues are 'ahead of expectation'

After spending the last two seasons outside of the Premier League top four teams, Chelsea are off to a strong start under Enzo Maresca in the 2024-25 campaign. After the first 22 matches in the league, the Blues have secured 40 points and currently occupy fourth position in the league table, two points above reigning champions Manchester City.

Maresca, however, is not focusing on sealing a Champions League berth this season as he revealed they are not expected to finish among the top four teams in his first season in charge. He also claimed that his team has already exceeded all expectations after spending the majority of the first half of the season in the top half of the league table.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Italian coach said: "The plan with the club was the schedule, that you try to do at the beginning of the season or when you meet the club for the first time.

"The schedule was, second season go for top four and then after the second season, try to compete for a title, so this is also the reason why I have said many times that we are ahead of my expectations because we spend almost all season in the top four. This shows how ahead we are in terms of expectations. Next season, I don't know, I am trying to focus on this season."

The Blues will be back in action in the Premier League on Saturday as they take on Manchester City in a crucial encounter at Etihad Stadium.