London, December 24: Despite Manchester City’s recent struggles which has seen them fall from the top of the Premier League table to seventh place, behind the likes of Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Aston Villa, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca believes that the defending champions will be in the title race by the end of the season. Football Matches on Boxing Day 2024: Manchester City vs Everton, Chelsea vs Fulham, Liverpool vs Leicester City and Other Games To Be Played on December 26.

"It's almost halfway so the table reflects the teams and where they are. Liverpool are doing fantastic since the first day. The squad already live that kind of moment, it's important. We are happy to be where we are at this moment

"I think Manchester City in the end will be there. They are living something that probably never happened before. They have a new injury at the end of every game. It is a very bad situation,” said Maresca in a press conference.

After finishing sixth in the 2023-24 Premier League season. Chelsea have improved seriously under head coach Maresca as they find themselves sitting at second place, four points behind league leaders Liverpool. Despite the continuous impressive performances Maresca remains adamant that his side is not in the title race and has called it the ‘reality of the situation.

“It’s the reality for me, not about the pressure. I would like that kind of pressure. I say we are not there because that is the reality for me. The main point is to continue to improve and to win games." Premier League 2024–25: Arsenal’s Trophy Hopes Suffer Major Blow As Bukayo Saka Ruled Out for ‘Many Weeks’.

“We are ahead of our expectation in terms of the way we are playing and points. For us, the main focus is to see how we can improve the players and how we can improve the team,” he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 25, 2024 08:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).